Preparing for Your MRI

At Ortho Nebraska, we are dedicated to your complete care and treatment. Our MRI staff is here to serve you, and our certified technologists are here to be certain that you’re comfortable and that your experience with us is pleasant and anxiety‑free.

MRI is complicated technology that works by using a series of very strong magnets to produce high‑quality images of the inside of your body. MRI uses radio‑frequency waves and, unlike conventional X‑ray, does not expose you to any radiation.

We have an MRI screening process to ensure it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. It is important that we know detailed information about your medical history. This includes any surgeries or metal implants, such as an orthopedic pin or plate, a pacemaker, or if you are a war veteran with shrapnel injuries. It is also important to remove any jewelry, keys, or coins.

The technologist will ask you some questions to better understand your condition and the reason for the MRI exam. Please be sure to alert the technologist before you proceed to the scanning room if you have any questions or if there is anything you forgot to tell us.

Your appointment will last about 45 minutes, depending on the area of your body being studied. We will ask you to lie on a table that is part of the machine. An MRI coil will be placed around the part of your body that will be scanned or imaged. The table will slide into a tube‑like space. It’s important that you are relaxed and comfortable.

If at any time you need to communicate with your technologist, you’ll have a help button and a microphone. You will need to squeeze the help button to get the technologist’s attention.

Please note that the MRI is very loud. This is normal, and there is nothing wrong with the machine. To make your visit as pleasant as possible, we will provide a headset to protect your ears from the loud noise, and you may listen to music to help drown out the sound the MRI machine makes. Headsets are not allowed in some procedures, in which case you will receive earplugs.

The machine can be stopped or paused at any time. The technologist will alert you when your MRI begins. Remember to hold still and relax, as the scan can take up to 45 minutes. Your technologist will sit just outside the room monitoring you. Again, the machine is noisy, and this is normal.

Our staff cannot share results with you. Your doctor or your doctor’s office staff will make arrangements with you to share results. This may take two to three business days. You will need to call your doctor to discuss your MRI results.

We know having an MRI can be worrisome, but try your best to relax. Our friendly, professional staff is expertly trained in the latest MRI technology. We’re here to make sure your experience is comfortable and worry‑free. If at any time you have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to ask.

We thank you for choosing Ortho Nebraska Imaging.