About Your Exam

Hours

For the convenience of our patients, our office hours are seven days a week 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. at our 1700 Gull Road site and 24 hours a day, seven days a week at our NeuroInstitute site. The facilities are closed for the major holidays, but our staff are always available for emergency situations.

Scheduling

We ask that you arrive to your appointment on time and if you are unable to make the scheduled time that you call ahead as far in advance as possible.

Preparing For Your MRI Scan

The day of the MRI scan, follow your normal routine. Eat normally, and take any medication you regularly take.

When you arrive at the MRI site, our staff will review your personal medical history and explain the MRI procedure.

Patients with cardiac pacemakers cannot be examined with MRI. Also, pregnant women should consult with their physicians about the advisability of a MRI scan.

Patients will be asked to change into a patient gown, and no personal possessions containing metal; including jewelry, watches, keys, hearing aids, or credit cards are permitted near the MRI scanner.

Billing

KNI participates with most carriers and works closely with insurance companies and other third-party payers. If you have specific questions, please call us at (269) 342-7147.

The MRI Exam

You will be asked to lie flat on the table, which is designed to slide into the center of the magnet. Although the MR scanner looks imposing, the MRI procedure itself is simple and safe. While the machine is in operation, you will hear intermittent humming and rather loud thumping sounds. These are normal. You will be given ear-plugs for your safety and comfort.

Patients scheduled for abdomen and pelvis studies are asked to fast six hours prior to their study. The patient may take his or her medication with a small amount of water.

Patients with cardiac pacemakers and pacer wires cannot be examined by MRI. Because of potential safety issues, some implant types may also be contraindicated for MRI. For example, some "older" aneurysm clips are not MRI compatible where some "newer" clips are. Some implants will require further investigation into the name of the manufacturer and model of the implant so that it can be checked before you have an MRI exam.

Remain relaxed and still during the scan. Throughout your scan we are able to hear, see and speak to you. Most people find the exam relaxing, and some even fall asleep. If you are uncomfortable or concerned, please let our staff know.

MRA & MR Myelograms

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) and MR Myleograms are painless, non-invasive procedures ordered by your physician. Unlike conventional myelograms or cerebral angiograms, MR myelograms and MRA's of the head and neck do not require contrast in order to acquire information needed to diagnose your condition. Paramagnetic contrast is used in other MR angiograms other than the head or neck studies.

When Better Images Are Needed

In some cases the physician may decide to order an image enhancement agent. This image enhancement agent is a fluid which is injected into a vein in your arm. If an enhancement agent is needed during your MRI exam, it doesn't mean your condition is more serious, so don't be concerned. It simply means that your physician would like a clearer picture. Such a procedure will be discussed with you, and you will be able to ask any questions that you may have.