what is an MRI?
An MRI is a type of diagnostic imaging that produces two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the internal tissues and organs of your body. they use radio waves and a magnetic field to disrupt hydrogen protons within your body, which give off energy as they fall back into place. The MRI machine records this energy and uses it to create detailed images of the soft tissues. mris are completely safe and can examine almost any part of your body. they are an invaluable tool that enable providers to detect abnormalities, arrive at diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for patients.
How much does an MRI cost with insurance versus without insurance?
MRI costs can vary due to several factors. The city or location of the procedure may influence the price, depending on the number of imaging facilities available in the area. The average cost of an MRI in the US uu. it’s a little over $1,300. patients with no insurance or whose insurance comes with a high deductible can expect to pay up to $5,000. Even with insurance, the MRI usually costs between $500 and $1,000. however, tripment health has negotiated prices with thousands of imaging centers across the country to ensure an affordable out-of-pocket price for an uninsured MRI. mris starts at $225 through tripment health, helping patients take control of their wellness without letting the high price of mris keep them from getting the treatment they deserve.
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How long does an MRI take?
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An MRI usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. in some cases, an MRI with contrast is ordered. this means that the patient will first be injected with a gadolinium-based dye before entering the machine. this dye helps create a more detailed view of inflammation and blood flow within the body. the injection process may add an additional fifteen minutes to the total appointment time.
Are there different types of MRI?
There are a few ways the MRI can vary. first, whether they are performed with or without contrast, using the gadolinium-based dye mentioned above. Contrast-enhanced MRI is usually ordered when blood flow and swelling need to be viewed in greater detail. contrast can also provide a clearer image of tumors and similar abnormalities.
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The other ways that MRI differs are based on the machine itself, whether you’re in an open or closed MRI:
- closed MRIs are more common. provide fast, accurate, high-quality images of deep organ tissue. In a closed MRI machine, patients lie on a table and are asked to hold still as the table slides into a tunnel-like scanner. the machine does not touch the patient and the scan cannot be felt. however, the scans are relatively noisy, and this noise in combination with the cramped space inside the scanner can lead to feelings of claustrophobia in some patients.
- Open MRI creates lower quality images than closed MRI. however, they allow for more movement, as technicians can move the machine around the patient at different angles during the procedure. they tend to take longer, but emit much less noise. Open MRIs are ideal for patients who are severely claustrophobic or may be too overweight to fit in a closed MRI machine. Sometimes a doctor will order an open MRI specifically to look at the stresses in the body that are exhibited when a person is standing.
Why would a doctor order an MRI?
Your doctor may have many reasons for requesting an MRI. they are more accurate than other types of diagnostic images and do not emit radiation. Although pregnant women can safely obtain x-rays of the head or extremities, doctors may want to avoid ordering abdominal x-rays and CT scans. mris provides a more secure alternative. they also provide an extremely detailed view of soft tissue, something that x-rays cannot do. Doctors frequently order MRIs to look for abnormalities that are too small to be detected by other diagnostic images, or to take a closer look at blood flow or inflammation.
Where can I get an MRI?
It’s easy to find an MRI center near you through Tripment Health. If you already have a referral, finding an affordable MRI near you is easy. If you suspect you need an MRI but don’t yet have a referral, one of our large network providers can order an MRI for just $42, without the need for an additional office visit. So all you need to do is search tripment.com for an imaging center near you, compare providers, prices, and locations, then schedule your appointment from the comfort of your own home.
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