MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

At Orthopaedic Associates, our imaging services include MRI, which is provided at our offices in Fort Walton Beach. Destin, and Crestview.

To schedule an imaging service, please call 850-315-9206.

Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly referred to as MRI, is an advanced technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves (like microwaves and the AM and FM bands on your radio) to visually display the inner workings of the body. The pictures produced by MRI help the radiologist clearly and accurately detect and define the differences between healthy and diseased tissues, especially in the soft tissues. It can reveal many health problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.

Please Have the Following Information Available When Scheduling Your MRI Examination:

Referring physician’s orders for the MRI (these orders contain information explaining why you'll be having the MRI and the type of examination your doctor is requesting).
Current insurance information. Orthopaedic Associates participates with most major insurance providers. We request that you remit any co-pay or deductible at the time of your examination. If you like, we will file your claim for you with your insurance carrier.

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What to Expect the Day of Your MRI

How to Prepare for Your MRI

Clothing & Attire Requirements

Loose cotton, linen, or polyester clothing is approved.
Sports bras with no metal are approved.
Not permitted: bras with underwire/clasps; compression or athletic wear; lululemon-type clothing; spandex or metal-fiber fabrics; clothing with zippers, snaps, clips, or hooks; jewelry; hair clips; hearing aids; smartwatches; belts; or any electronic/metal device worn under clothing.
Bring implant or device cards and fully charge any controllers.
Continuous glucose monitors must be removed before scanning.

Arrival & Late Patient Policy

Please arrive 20 minutes early.
If you are late, we will attempt to work you in versus reschedule.
Please use the restroom at check-in.
No-show fee: $250.00 will be applied if the appointment is missed without notice.

Safety & Transportation Requirements

We cannot perform MRI scans on patients who are on continuous oxygen; they must be scanned at a hospital.
Sedated patients must have a driver physically present in the waiting room for the entire scan.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, taxi) are not permitted for sedated patients.

The Examination

During your MRI examination, you will simply lie still on the MRI table. Each individual study takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete. As the examination progresses, the equipment will be obtaining views of your body from a variety of angles. Throughout the process, you will hear a muffled sound somewhat like a drumbeat. The table itself may move, but you will remain still. You will be able to talk to our technologist at any time during the procedure via an intercom system.

Your MRI Examination Results

Your examination will produce a unique set of images that our radiologists will review and interpret. They will then produce a report of their findings and advance that promptly to the doctor who referred you for your examination.

After Your MRI Examination

After your MRI examination, you are free to return to your normal activities. MRI examinations are not known to cause post-examination reactions or complications. Therefore, if you experience any unusual pain or problems of any kind, immediately call your referring physician. If your problems are severe, contact 911 for emergency care.

If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid doing so for 24 – 36 hours; a pump might be used during this time.

Questions

To schedule an MRI or if you have any questions regarding our MRI service, including requesting copies of your report, please call us at 850-315-9206.