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Areas of Interest: Information regarding MRI Information regarding CT Information and forms for Pre-Registration Information regarding Insurance Information and directions for Imaging Sites  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the body. The MRI scanner creates a strong magnetic field through the body, and then it sends radio waves into the body and assesses the response sent back from the different tissues. Under the influence of the magnetic field, different tissues send back different responses to the radio waves. Also, certain diseased or injured tissues send responses that are different from healthy ones. 
The type of scanner we use is called an “Open MRI”. The open MRI is “C shaped”. You lie on a table that slides between the “C”. The sides of the scanner are open, not closed like a tube. This type of scanner is better tolerated by people who are claustrophobic which places them in a much less stressful procedure. Our open MRI even allows a close friend or relative to sit by and comfort you during the exam while staff compassionately focuses on your concerns and anxieties. MRI safety:Because MRI uses a very powerful magnet, metals will be attracted to the MRI machine. Inform our personnel if you have any metal in your body such as a pacemakers, aneurysm clips in the brain, heart valves, ventricular shunt with telesensor, inner ear implants, implanted spinal cord stimulator, or metal fragment in the eyes (e.g. from an injury). Some surgically implanted objects are safe in the MRI scanner; however, our radiologist specializing in this area will make that determination. You will need to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, glasses, watches, cell phones, pagers, coins, keys, credit cards (the magnetic strip on the credit cards will be erased) and nonpermanent dentures before entering the MRI room. You may wish to leave these items at home, or we have secured dressing rooms where you can store the items.During the exam:You will lie on the MRI table on your back entering the scanner from the side depending on the type of study you are having. The exam will begin when the table moves under the scanner. The technologist will communicate with you during the entire exam. During the exam, you may feel a slight vibration in the scanner. This is normal. You will also hear a series of rhythmic knocking or hammering sounds in the scanner. Most people are not bothered by this sound, but if you wish, we can supply you with earplugs to muffle the sound. Some MRI exams require the use of contrast dye injected through a small needle into the vein. This dye is different from the dye used in other imaging exams such as IVP or CT scans, therefore you are at no increased risk for allergic reaction to this dye if you have had a reaction to the other type of dye. Also this type of dye does not cause any sensation of warmth or nausea like the other dye. It may cause a headache. If you are having an MRI arthrogram, see the section above. Most exams take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan)Introduction:Computed tomography is an advanced form of x-ray image in which multiple small x-rays are exposed in a circle around the body. A computer combines all these x-rays into a single set of images that shows the body as a series of slices, like slices through an orange or a loaf of bread. The images are sent to the radiologist for interpretation. Not only do the images show bone and air like conventional radiographs, but they are also able to clearly show soft tissue structures of the body such as internal organs, muscles, and blood vessels. These structures only appear as indistinct gray shadows on a plain radiograph. However, the CT images are able to show a distinction between normal and diseased or injured tissue based on changes in size, shape and appearance of the tissue. CT scans are used to look at all parts of the body from head to toe. A wide variety of problems and diseases are evaluated, including injuries, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, infections, and cancer. The CT scanner looks like a large doughnut, and your body passes quickly through it while the scanner obtains the images. The CT scanner is one of the most versatile diagnostic imaging devices available today. 
During the exam:Depending on the area of the body you are having imaged, you may be asked to change into a gown. During most exams you will lie face up on the CT table. Certain scans require contrast dye to be given by mouth and/or in the veins. These are discussed in the section “preparation for the exam”. If contrast dye is to be given in the veins, it is given at this time. See”preparation for the exam” for information on allergies to x-ray dye. The dye may give you a feeling of warmth or nausea. This sensation passes quickly. The table then passes quickly through the CT scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time as the images are obtained. Most exams only take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the section of body being scanned.Preparation for the exam:Please notify the imaging center where you are to have your exam if you are allergic to x-ray dye, or if you have other allergies or asthma. A person can have an allergic reaction to the contrast, just as people may react to a bee stings or medicines. We are prepared for this with expertise and medicines to treat such reactions. The exam preparations are detailed below.Head, neck or spine: Call the imaging center at which you are having the exam to see if you are to receive contrast dye in the veins. If yes, then do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam. You may take medications with small amount of water. No other preparation is necessary. Chest, abdomen or pelvis: Call the imaging center at which you are having the exam to see if you are to receive contrast dye in the veins and/or contrast dye that you drink. If you are only having the dye in the veins, do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam. If you are also having the contrast that you drink, do not have anything to eat or drink for six hours prior to the exam (except the dye as directed). In either case, you may take your medications with a small amount of water. You can pick up the contrast drink at the imaging center you are having your exam until the day before your exam unless your doctor provides it to you. Arms, legs or bones: Call the imaging center at which you are having the exam to see if you are to receive contrast dye in the veins. If yes, then do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam. You may take medications with small amount of water. No other preparation is necessary.  Pre-Registration FormsOffice Financial Policy Form (Word Document)Office Financial Policy Form (PDF Format) Patient Information Form (Word Document) Patient Information Form (PDF Format) Patient Questionnaire Form (Word Document) Patient Questionnaire Form (PDF Format) Patient Registration (Word Document) Patient Registration (PDF Format)  Please check with your Imaging Center for additonal information regarding Insurance. Thank you.   Atrium Open MRI of Cartersville 871 Joe Frank Harris Parkway Cartersville, GA 30120 678-721-9700 Fax 678-721-9777 more information directions Open MRI of Dalton 1507 Professional Court Dalton, GA 30720 706-277-0700 Fax 706-277-0076 more information directions Atrium Open MRI of Snellville 1987 Scenic Highway Snellville, GA 30078 678-344-5570 Fax 678-344-5571 more information directions |
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