The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services offered at Open MRI of St. Joseph generate high-quality, state-of-the-art images of the human anatomy. An MRI is a noninvasive procedure that creates images of the inside of a patient’s body. The basics of an MRI consist of using a magnetic field, radio waves, and computer software without the use of high dosages of radiation, which is typically found in computerized tomography (CT) studies.
At Open MRI of St. Joseph, we pride ourselves on being the region’s only high-field open MRI system with unmatched open architectural design and the widest patient opening in the industry. This design helps with anxiety and claustrophobia, improving patient comfort.
We are also dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of imaging quality and safety possible. That’s why we underwent a thorough review to earn the American College of Radiology (ACR) Gold Standard of Accreditation in MRI.
What Does ACR Accreditation Mean?
The ACR gold seal means that:
- Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
- Our facility has voluntarily gone through a rigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally accepted standards of care.
- Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform medical imaging and interpret your images.
Every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.
MRI Preparation
In order to provide you with a safe MRI experience and to expedite getting results, we ask that you read and follow the steps listed below.
The MRI magnet is always on; therefore, it is very important to follow the safety guidelines and make sure to remove all metal that may be on you. Failure to follow these guidelines could potentially cause great harm to yourself and the technologist.
- Fill out the History Checklist to make sure it is safe for you to have an MRI. The screening form covers any contraindications that may prohibit you from having an MRI.
- Provide your MRI order along with any previous imaging reports, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI exams, that have been taken of the area we will be imaging.
- Bring your insurance card(s) along with a photo ID.
- Leave all valuables at home. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. Remove all hairpins, bobby pins, barrettes, clips, etc. Remove your watch, cell phone, bank cards, and credit cards.
- You will be asked to remove eyeglasses, hearing aids, and possibly your dentures prior to the MRI.
- Wear clothing with no zippers, buttons, snaps, or hooks (including bras for women). Gowns and shorts will be provided if needed. Shoes will be removed, but your socks can stay on. Personal lockers are provided to secure your items.
Open MRI
Closed MRI
Please note that an order is necessary to schedule an MRI.
For questions, please call the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center at (816) 364-4674.