| Can people with metal implants be scanned in the MRI? In general, a MRI/MRA scan cannot be done if a person's body contains: An implanted electronic device, such as a cardiac pacemaker. A metal object that contains iron, the object may be moved out of place by the magnetic force. Let our technologist know if you have any metal implants or any concerns at all. How long does a MRI/MRA scan take? Total scanning time usually ranges from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the type of exam. Please feel free to ask the technologist how long your exam is expected to take. What preparation is required for a MRI procedure? Most MRI/MRA procedures require no preparation (prep). This means you can do all your normal daily activities, eat, drink and take any medications you may have. We will ask that you remove all metallic objects before you are scanned, they may interfere with the images. For example, you will need to remove: glasses, watches, hairpins, jewelry, clothing with zippers, non-permanent dentures, hearing aids and wallets. If fasting is required for a procedure at the Imaging Center, can I drink diet soda or water? No, when you are asked to fast for an exam, we require you have nothing to eat or drink. If you are concerned about taking medications prior to your exam please ask our staff at the time of scheduling. Some exams require the patient to have a full bladder, what can I drink other than water? You may have flavored water, ice tea or juice. You may not have any carbonated soda or milk products. Must I have written orders or a prescription from my doctor in order to have a test performed at the Imaging Center? Yes, all tests require a doctor's written order, be sure to bring your orders with you to your appointment. If for some reason your physician has not given you the written order, our receptionist will be happy to assist you. Most times the doctor's office faxed the orders or spoke with us directly. When will my doctor receive the results of my exam? One of our board certified Radiologists will read your films and a report will be hand delivered to your doctor in the next 1 -2 business days. If your physician is not in Charlotte County we will fax the report and mail the original. I you have had previous exams at another facility, the Radiologist may choose to compare the films, In which case, the report may be delayed while we obtain your other films. May I take my films to another physician? Yes. Our Medical Records department is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You may call them directly at (941) 637-9350,and arrange to pick up your film and reports. All the films are stored in our Punta Gorda office, but with 2 days notice you can pick up your films from any one of our locations. When you are finished with the films just drop them off at one of our offices, so they may be returned to your file jacket for safe keeping. Will SW Florida Regional Imaging Center bill me for my testing? It is recommended you check with your insurance company to see if the Imaging Center is an approved facility. We require insurance patients to pay their co-pay, deductible or 20% of the charge on the day of the exam. Medicare patients are required to pay their deductibles and the 20% if they have no other insurance. Any other situations, we will be happy to make arrangements for payment prior to the exam. Will you file my supplement to Medicare? Yes. As a courtesy the Imaging Center will be happy to file, your supplement insurance as long as you provide us with the current information. Where can I go to discuss my billing questions in person? Our billing office is located at the Imaging Center, 329 E. Olympia Ave. Punta Gorda, on the main floor. The office door is open so just stop in. | 
