Understanding MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of test that allows your health care provider to see pictures of the inside of your body. MRI uses strong magnets, radio waves and a computer to make an image.
An MRI scan can examine almost any part of the body, including:
- Bones and joints
- Brain and spinal cord
- Breasts
- Heart and blood vessels
- Internal organs such as the liver, uterus and prostate gland
The results of an MRI scan help diagnose conditions, inform treatment plans and assess the effectiveness of previous treatments.
ThedaCare is pleased to offer an open MRI machine at Encircle Health as well as wide-bore MRI machines at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin and ThedaCare Medical Center-Orthopedic, Spine and Pain.
Accredited MRI for Quality You Can Trust
At ThedaCare, we’re committed to providing MRI imaging that meets the highest national standards for quality, safety and expert care.
The following ThedaCare locations are accredited in MRI by the American College of Radiology (ACR) — a recognition of excellence in imaging technology, staff qualifications and patient care:
- ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton
- ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
- ThedaCare Medical Center-Orthopedic, Spine and Pain
- Encircle Health in Appleton
ACR accreditation means experienced technologists perform your MRI using advanced equipment, and board-certified radiologists interpret the results. You can feel confident knowing you’re receiving trusted, high-quality imaging, right here in your community.
Preparing for Your MRI
Before your MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed. If you require any other prep, you’ll receive advance notification. Because MRI uses strong magnets, you should tell your health care team about any metal in or on your body.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You’ll receive an arrival time for your appointment, which is typically 30 minutes prior to your scan time. Some exams require you to arrive earlier than 30 minutes ahead of time. We’ll let you know if you should plan for an earlier arrival time.
You’ll complete an MRI screening form, change into a gown and remove items that might contain metal or pose a safety risk to the magnets. These include:
- Jewelry
- Hairpins
- Eyeglasses
- Watches
- Wigs
- Dentures
- Hearing aids
- Underwire bras
- Continuous glucose monitors
During the exam, you’ll lie inside the tube and hear loud, repetitive noises during each scan. You’ll receive ear plugs or headphones to muffle the noise. Depending on the type of exam ordered, you may receive a contrast injection that will require an IV.
It’s important that you do not move during the entire scan. Most MRIs take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how many areas of the body must be scanned.
MRI Results
A board-certified radiologist will review your images and provide the results to your ordering provider. You’ll be notified of results. If you have MyThedaCare, you can view and reference your results there as well. Your provider will contact you if you require any follow-up.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ordering provider. We’re here to help and ensure you have the support you need.
To locate your ordering provider in MyThedaCare, simply log in and check the “Visits” or “Test Results” sections, where the provider is typically listed. You may also find this information under “Messages” or “Care Team.”
If you’re still unsure, feel free to send a message through MyThedaCare, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you further.
