| General
questions:
How open is an open magnet? What is the weight
limit?
The Hitachi Airis II open MRI system at Longview Radiologists measures
3.5 feet (side to side opening), and 17 inches (top to bottom, height
of opening). A patient's size rather than weight may prevent examination
on an open MRI magnet. The scanning table is height adjustable and
the front, side and back of the magnet is open allowing the patient
to see outside the magnet. Patients weighing 450 pounds or less
can usually be accommodated in our Open MRI scanner.
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I'm claustrophobic and anxious about having
an MRI examination.
The open MRI magnet provides superior patient comfort and a wide
open-air design which helps to minimize claustrophobic effect. We
also encourage you to have a loved-one or friend accompany you during
the exam if this will make you more comfortable.
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Is there any radiation involved in MRI?
There is no radiation involved. MRI uses a combination of radio
frequencies and magnetic field to produce images.
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Are there any reasons I can't have an MRI exam?
There are objects, particularly metal objects, that are incompatible
with a strong magnetic field and they can have potentially harmful
effects. You should check with your physician or MRI technologist
if you have had any brain, ear, eye or other surgeries or any of
the following: pacemakers, brain aneurysm clips, neuro or bone stimulators,
surgical staples, implanted drug infusions devices, shrapnel or
bullet wounds, BBs, metal fragments in the eye or permanent eyeliner.
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What will I experience during the MRI? How long
will I be in the magnet? Do I have to hold still?
The MRI procedure will typically last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes,
depending on the type of information required by the physician.
The patient is easily observed by the technologist throughout the
study and is able to speak to the technologist at any time. The
only requirement is that the patient remain as still as possible
during the exam. During the scan, the patient experiences nothing
unusual. A variety of sounds, such as humming and thumping noises,
will be heard as the scan progresses.
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What do I wear?
You may be asked to wear patient scrubs to avoid magnetic interference
from belt buckles and zippers. Because of the magnetic field, you
will be asked to leave all metal objects outside the room such as
coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, hearing aides, keys,
hair pins, or other metal objects. Secure, locked lockers are provided
for our patient's belongings.
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Are x-rays dangerous?
Radiation exposure from x-ray examinations today is minimal. Contemporary
x-ray systems deliver a very brief and narrow beam of radiation.
Exposure is reduced by limiting beam size and exposure utilizing
lead shielding devices when appropriate and limited duration of
the exposure.
Though pregnant patients or pregnant personnel are of concern with
respect to radiation exposure, the American College of Radiology
states that there is no single x-ray procedure that results in radiation
exposure intense enough to threaten the well being of an embryo
or fetus. When an examination can't be postponed until after delivery,
the fetus can be protected by the use of lead shielding and coning
techniques. Patients should inform the technologist if there is
a possibility of pregnancy before the examination.
If you have concerns regarding the amount of radiation involved
in any of the tests we offer, please so not hesitate to contact
us at 360-425-5131.
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What is contrast and is it harmful?
It is important to inform the technologist at the time of your examination
or procedure if you have any history of reactions / allergies to
a contrast agent such as x-ray dye, medications or substances such
as latex.
Many X-ray, CT and MRI tests use 'contrast'. There are several
different contrasts that improve the image. These may be taken by
mouth or injected into a vein. X-ray contrast contains Iodine bound
into a special compound. We use this to show blood vessels, kidneys,
and other masses much more clearly - some structures cannot be shown
any other way.
Unfortunately, there are occasionally some people who are sensitive,
or allergic, to contrast. If you are, please let us know; precautions
will be taken or an alternative test used. Most people will not
be aware of any reaction to the contrast apart from a warm sensation
and metallic taste which passes quickly. However, there is a very
small subgroup of patients who will react in a more significant
way.
Reactions usually will be in the form of a rash, but rarely there
can be breathing problems and even cardiac arrest - the risk of
the most severe reaction is between 1 in 40,000 and 1 in 100,000,
and this can result in death. It is impossible to predict who will
react to the contrast (unless you have had a previous reaction to
contrast), although some people are at more risk, e.g. asthmatics
and generally allergic people. Be assured that the modern contrast
agents are among the safest medicines around.
At Longview Radiologists P.S., Inc we are alert to reactions and
have emergency drugs available. All staff are trained in resuscitation.
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Do I need to make an appointment?
General diagnostic exams, such as wrist, knees, ankles, etc. do
not require appointments. We take these patients on a walk in basis.
All other exams do require appointment times.
This allows us to serve you and other patients optimally without
pressure. However, as we program into the day sessions for urgent
cases, all that may be required is a phone call. We aim to be responsive.
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Do I need an order from my physician to have
an x-ray?
You will need a prescription from your physician for all diagnostic
services performed at our imaging center.
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Can I compare prices?
Please feel free to compare our prices with other radiology providers.
We believe that we provide the best service, given our commitment
to high quality equipment and staff.
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Can I bring a friend?
We encourage you to bring a friend or family member. They can be
a great comfort to you in a time of stress. However, depending on
the exam they may not be able to be in the examination room as they
will be exposed to unnecessary radiation. However, it is sometimes
helpful for parents to accompany young children into the examination
room and if possible we will facilitate that. Our Open MRI suite
has a comfortable chair within a spacious room to allow you to be
near your friend or family member during MRI examinations. Partners
are always welcome to be present during pregnancy ultrasounds. We
try to accommodate all requests so please ask and we will try to
accommodate your wishes.
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Do I see the radiologist?
This will depend on the type of examination. Some examinations are
performed by the radiologist and others are performed by a technologist
trained and registered in his/her particular specialty. A radiologist
will interpret the films and a report will be sent to your referring
physician so the results can be discussed with you.
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Can I discuss the results of my test with the
radiologist?
It is preferable that you discuss the results of your x-ray with
your referring clinician as your clinician has more knowledge of
your illness. He/she can take into consideration your comprehensive
clinical symptoms and findings, as well as lab tests and other results.
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What if I need my films to take to a specialist?
At Longview Radiologists, P.S. Inc, not all imaging is processed
on film, but we are happy to supply you with a copy of your films
on request. However, all examinations are kept indefinitely on a
large computer database. Top quality film copy can be produced from
this at any stage as required by your specialist. You therefore
have the assurance that, even if a set of films are lost in a consultation
with a specialist, further copies of the same high quality can be
produced from the computer archive. This is our commitment to providing
you with a service of unsurpassed quality.
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Can I have a picture of my baby's ultrasound?
We are happy to supply you with a picture of your baby's ultrasound.
Longview Radiologists offers 3D fetal images which can be used to
help bond parents with their fetus. Seeing their baby's picture
for the first time can be a special and lasting moment for expectant
parents.
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Do I need to wear special clothes?
It is best to wear loose clothes as some tests require you to disrobe.
We will provide you with patient scrubs or dressing gowns for your
privacy.
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How will my doctor get the results?
The report is faxed within 24 hours or less to your referring clinician.
The original is either delivered by courier or mail depending on
your clinician's location.
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How will I find out my results?
It is important to discuss the results of your test with your health
care provider after any examination or procedure. The results can
then be compared with your overall health condition, which only
your physician or practitioner can access for you.
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Can I have a copy of the report?
A report is not usually forwarded to the patient as it is formulated
for your clinician and is paraphrased in medical terminology. You
are eligible under the Privacy Act to obtain a copy of the report.
However, we advise you to obtain a copy from your clinician after
discussing the implications of the test results with them.
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