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Schedule Your Imaging Appointment

Call 336-663-4290 for information on scheduling your imaging appointments.

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MRI

Cone Health offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at eight locations. An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio frequency to capture detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body.

An MRI results in 2D and 3D images that can be examined from multiple angles, giving providers a detailed look into a patient’s body. MRIs are generally used for patients who:

  • Have had a stroke
  • Have experienced a traumatic brain injury
  • Are suffering from back pain, joint injuries or sports injuries
  • Have a cardiac issue

Things to Consider Before Your MRI

Please arrive about 15-20 minutes before your scheduled MRI. This will allow you time to complete a screening form, change clothes and also remove any metal on your body before your scan. You will have a private dressing room to change.

Some types of MRI scans will require you not to eat or drink before your MRI. Your referring provider will tell you in advance if that’s the case for your particular scan. 

Most MRIs take 20-30 minutes, although some can take up to an hour. If you are having more than one exam on the same day, the process will take longer.

There is no radiation exposure with an MRI. After your scan, there is no down time or after care needed. You can go about your day!

If you have any metal implants inside your body, please let your referring provider and the MRI technologist know prior to your MRI exam.

An MRI machine is loud while it is capturing images of the body. You’ll be required to wear ear protection (which Cone Health will provide for you) during the exam to avoid any damage to your hearing. The loud sound comes from the gradients switching on and off quickly when exposed for radio frequency, which is what creates the images.

For patients who might be sensitive to sound, our scanners at Moses Cone Hospital have the ability to do quieter scans. Please note that those scans do take longer than ones at the traditional volume.

If you worry you may feel anxious while getting your MRI due to the closed space, please talk with your referring provider beforehand. They may prescribe you anti-anxiety medication to take prior to your scan. All of our MRI machines have larger openings than traditional MRI machines, which may alleviate anxiety for some patients.

Pediatric MRI Patients

Children under age 5 receiving MRIs at Cone Health will be sedated for their scan. All pediatric MRIs take place at Moses Cone Hospital.

For older children who might be sensitive to sound, our scanners have the ability to do quieter scans. Please note that those scans do take longer than ones at the traditional volume.

Contact Information:

For questions about MRI scans at Cone Health, please reach out to our centralized scheduling department at (336) 663-4290.

 

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