An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Unlike other imaging modalities, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for frequent use.

MRI is particularly advantageous for its detailed soft tissue contrast and safety profile due to the absence of ionizing radiation. However, the choice of imaging modality depends on the specific medical condition and the area of the body being examined. Each modality has its unique strengths, making them suitable for different diagnostic purposes.

Visiting Ackerman Cancer Center for a Total Body MRI offers significant advantages over typical imaging centers. Ackerman Cancer Center is dedicated exclusively to cancer care, providing both diagnostic imaging and advanced treatment options. This specialization allows for a more integrated and focused approach to individualized care. You receive support from a dedicated care team with extensive expertise in total body imaging, ensuring precise and comprehensive assessments. The friendly and compassionate staff prioritize your comfort and well-being, making the process less stressful. The smaller scale of Ackerman Cancer Center allows for a more patient-centric approach and attentive experience compared to larger imaging centers. Choosing Ackerman Cancer Center means opting for thorough, supportive, and integrated healthcare. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re in capable hands, with a clear pathway to care if needed.

To prepare for your MRI scan, you should remove all jewelry, watches, and any other metal objects as they can interfere with the MRI’s magnetic field. If you have any implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker or a metal implant, please bring your device card with you to the appointment and our team will review prior to scanning. This card provides essential information about your device that helps ensure your safety during the scan. Additionally, you will be provided with a robe to change into to avoid any interference from metal in your clothing.

If you are experiencing any anxiety or concern about your scan, please speak with your primary care provider or healthcare team about prescribed medications that may help ease your worries. You are in excellent hands with our expert team members.

No, insurance does not cover the cost of Total Body MRI scans. Most insurance plans do not include total body MRI scans in their coverage because these scans are often considered elective or preventative rather than medically necessary. Insurance companies generally cover diagnostic tests that are specifically ordered by a physician to investigate known medical issues.

Your full balance is due prior to your scan. We accept credit card, debit card, and cash payments onsite; online payments are not available. Additionally, please note that cancellations within 24 hours of your appointment will incur a $100 cancellation fee.

Certain individuals cannot undergo a Total Body MRI due to the risk posed by the strong magnetic field. This includes people with specific spinal cord stimulators, pacemakers, or metal fragments in their eyes or body.

If you have a specific medical diagnosis that requires targeted imaging, a focused MRI scan may be more appropriate and effective than a total body scan.

If you are claustrophobic or experience significant anxiety in confined spaces, you may find it difficult to tolerate the Total Body MRI procedure, which requires you to be inside the MRI machine for an extended period.

If you are unable to remain still for the duration of the scan (typically 60-90 minutes), the quality of the images may be compromised. This can be due to medical conditions, severe pain, or other factors that make it difficult to stay still.

An abridged breast exam is a streamlined version of a traditional breast MRI. This exam focuses on soft tissue imaging of the chest and does not require the patient to lie in a prone position, which is typical for a standard breast MRI. Furthermore, no contrast agent is administered during the abridged exam.

It’s important to note that this does not replace regular breast screening, and patients should continue to receive their annual mammograms and/or breast MRIs as recommended by their healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive breast health monitoring.

Your Total Body MRI scan report provides a comprehensive overview of the soft tissues throughout your body, offering valuable insights into your overall health. Detailed analysis and findings for each body site that was scanned will be included, in addition to observations on any abnormalities or notable features detected during the scan.

Based on the findings, your report will offer recommendations for any necessary follow-up actions, such as further diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, or potential treatment options.

Your report will also include contact information for our team, allowing you to easily reach out for further explanations,  to schedule follow-up appointments, or to discuss your results in more detail.

Please note that while the total body MRI scan provides a comprehensive view of your soft tissue, it does not guarantee the detection of all cancers or specific medical conditions.

The main difference between a 1.5T and a 3T MRI machine lies in their magnetic field strength and the resulting image quality and scan speed. A 3T (Tesla) machine has a stronger magnetic field, allowing it to produce higher resolution images more quickly than a 1.5T machine. This makes the 3T ideal for detailed imaging needs, such as brain scans. However, the 1.5T machine is still highly capable of producing excellent resolution images and is often used for a variety of scans. One limitation of the 3T machine is its incompatibility with most implants, meaning patients with certain types of medical implants may not be able to be scanned. The 1.5T machine, on the other hand, is more likely to be compatible with such implants.