Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions patients may have before visiting our office. If you have questions that are not here, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (817) 543-2412 or send us an e-mail at insurance@centralimagingofarlington.com
Our fax # is 817-543-2663
The FAQ’s
- What insurance plans do you accept?
- Who will perform my exam?
- Who will interpret my exam?
- Do I have to go where my Dr. refers me?
- What if another doctor requests my films?
- Can you accommodate my busy schedule?
- I have an appointment. How can I prepare?
- I had my exam. How do I get results
- What do I do if I am pregnant, is MRI safe?
- What should I wear to my MRI appointment?
- What is MRI?
- Can anyone have an MRI?
- How long does it take?
- What is contrast?
- What will happen during the MRI exam?
- What if I feel anxious or claustrophobic?
- What is a CT Scan?
- How will I prepare for my CT Scan?
- What will happen during the exam?
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurance plans. Some insurance plans require pre-authorization and/or a referral. We will work with your referring physician to obtain these. Please bring a copy of your insurance card and any referral form that is required by your insurance company when you arrive for your appointment.
Who will perform my exam?
We have registered technologist who has had extensive training in radiological procedures.
Who will interpret my exam?
A radiologist who has specialized training in diagnostic radiology and advanced training in MRI will interpret your examination and provide a written report to your referring physician. All of our radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Do I have to go where my Dr. refers me?
No, you have a choice where you would like to go, regardless of your doctor’s recommendation.
What if another doctor requests my films?
You or your physician may notify us prior to your appointment and we will provide to with your films or we can deliver your films to your physician. You may also stop by the facility and check out your films to carry with you to your appointment if you prefer. Please call in advance so your films will be ready.
Can you accommodate my busy schedule?
We offer Extended Hours of Operation Monday-Friday. MRI exams by appointment on Saturdays. Please call our office to set-up a time that works for you.
I had my exam. How do I get results?
Results are delivered to your referring physician usually within 24 to 48 business hours. Exact timing of exam results may be dependent upon other factors such as the need to compare to prior results, for example. Most offices prefer to schedule a follow up appointment at which time the results of your scan will be discussed. You should ask your physician prior to having the scan what their office protocol is. Please inform the imaging center staff if your results are needed urgently by your referring doctor.
MRI Specific Questions
What do I do if I am pregnant, is MRI safe?
Currently we scan pregnant patients only when it is considered medically beneficial. Your referring physician and an MRI Board Certified Radiologist will consult with one another and will sign consent forms deeming the MRI as a medically necessary procedure. Your doctor will then discuss the risks and benefits, and you will be asked to sign a consent form at the time of your appointment.
What should I wear to my MRI appointment?
Always be comfortable, loose fitting sweat suit or jogging outfit would be acceptable as well. For females, if we are scanning your spine, neck, chest or abdomen we will ask you to remove your bra. A sports bra contains no metal and would not need to be removed prior to scanning. We do have hospital gowns that we can have you change into, if necessary. We will ask you to place any loose metal from your pockets into a lockable storage area.
Your technologist will ask you to remove anything metallic, such as dentures, hearing aids, jewelry, hairpins or articles of clothing that may contain metal, such as underwire bras. These items, along with your personal items will be secured in a locker during your exam.
What is MRI?
MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a way to look inside your body without the use of X-rays. MRI can allow your doctor to see certain types of tissue and can provide very important information about the brain, spine, joints and internal organs. MRI can allow your physician the opportunity for early detection of disease or injuries so proper treatment may be started as soon as possible.
Can anyone have an MRI?
Because some metals interfere with the function of the MRI equipment, certain patients are not able to have an MRI exam. You can discuss this with your Physician or call our office with any concerns. The following equipment or conditions may create problems with an MRI.
- A pacemaker or pacing wires
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes
- Inner ear implants
- Cerebral anuerysm clips
- Implanted neuro stimulator
- Tens unit
- Certain metal implants
How long does it take?
The exam usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If your doctor orders your MRI exam with contrast, the exam may take a little longer to complete.
What is contrast?
Your doctor may order your test with contrast. This is a fluid that is injected into a vein (usually in your arm). This helps to make certain details on the exam clearer and is routine for certain MRI exams.
What will happen during the MRI exam?
You will be asked to lie down on the examination table on your back. The table will slide smoothly into the opening, and you will be positioned either head first or feet first, depending on the type of exam. Once the exam begins, it is important that you are as still as possible. You will hear “knocking” and “banging” noises, and the hum of the machine. This is all normal and you will be able to talk to the technologist during your procedure. You will be able to listen to the radio during your exam.
What if I feel anxious or claustrophobic?
One of the first things we recommend to anyone who thinks they might feel anxious or claustrophobic during an exam is an advanced trip to our facility to actually look at the scanner. We often find that once patients see how wide the opening is and how short the scanner is, their anxiety is eliminated. Remember, MRI scanners have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, and are no longer made with such small, restrictive openings and long “tubes” or “tunnels”.
Our facility is architecturally designed for the claustrophobic patient with a spacious open concept design, including a large picture window within the MRI suite.
Our technologists are very skilled at helping you feel relaxed and comfortable during your exam. It often helps to listen to music during your exam. You may have a family member in the room with you if you desire. In very rare instances, a patient may require sedation, which must be scheduled ahead.
CT Specific Questions
What is a CT Scan?
Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT), also known as CT (computerized tomography) is an x-ray technique that uses a special scanner to create cross-sectional images of the body and head. This produces “slices” like the slices in a loaf of bread. Our CT scanner performs spiral slices – the newest and fastest scanning technology available.
CT’s can image the internal portion of the organs and separate overlapping structures precisely. Unlike standard X-rays which take a picture of the whole structure being examined, CT has the ability to image that same structure one cross-section or “slice” at a time. This allows the internal body area being examined to be depicted in much greater detail than standard X-rays. CT is also able to provide clear imaging of both soft tissue, such as the brain, as well as dense tissue like bone.
Our CT uses an ultra-thin, low dose X-ray beam, radiation exposure is minimized.
How will I prepare for my CT Scan?
Depending on the area of the body being imaged, you may be asked to drink a flavored mixture that has been refrigerated called contrast this will aid in the evaluation of your procedure.
Some studies require an IV contrast material, which will be administered through a vein (usually in your arm), once you are in the exam room.
If your exam requires an IV contrast material to highlight certain parts of your body, you may feel a warm sensation throughout your body and/or a metallic taste in your mouth once the IV is administered.
What will happen during the exam?
Before entering the room the technologist will explain the procedure to you. When you enter the exam room, you will be asked to lie on the CT table. The technologist will position you on the scanning table. The table will then move to center on the part of your body being examined. You will be able to talk to your technologist during the procedure. The table will move within the scanner during the exam. It is normal to hear whirling or clicking noises while the exam is being done.
While the exam is being done, all you need to do is relax and remain as still as possible. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time.