MRI Scans: How They Could Benefit Your Health Today
If you have concerns about your health, in terms of the inside of your body, then your doctor may recommend you for an MRI scan to find underlying problems that cannot be diagnoses. They are effective at finding issues that doctors can’t possibly know until they go through the machine to have a better look.
How An MRI Scan Works
A magnetic resonance imaging machine, otherwise known as an MRI machine is an effective diagnostic test that combines the use of radio waves and magnetic technology to create 3D images of the inside of the body, showing organs and bones.
The people who work on these machines are specialist doctors known as radiologists. They will be able to analyze your results to find any abnormalities or investigate any issues that they’re aware of by looking at the soft tissue.
How Your Health Could Benefit
Your health will primarily benefit from an MRI scan as it will work to find anything cancerous in your body, as well as other potential risks such as diseases. An effective MRI scan may even be able to identify other smaller issues that you’re not even aware of. From there, these issues can be managed and treated before they become major issues.
From there, your doctor will be able to move on to help you manage any issue you may have in the best way possible. Then you will be able to continue on with life with less anxiety now that you have the answers.
The Cost Of An MRI Scan
Depending on your insurance plan and finances in general, the cost of an MRI can seem a bit too much, depending on your location and the facility that you’re looking at. You may be surprised to know that the cost of an MRI at a hospital can be more than going for a private company, due to the fact they have hidden costs and from the way they work in general.
Across the country, there are dedicated imaging centers that specialize in working with patients to get quicker results at a lower cost. They can afford to charge less than hospitals, as they know that they need to do more to convince people to look elsewhere.
If you’re not sure about the difference between the pricing models, then consider looking at Ezra’s MRI cost breakdown, which can help explain to you the monthly payment plans that can help you save money in both the short term and long term.
You could also use flexible spending accounts, also known as FSA, and a health savings account, known as HSA, to help save money on scans. These health plans are available to Americans to help them afford healthcare and manage their overall health. If you’re unsure of how they work and how they can benefit you, then it will be worth your time to speak to these organizations, to learn more.
Someone you know will likely have some of these plans, for both their health and financial goals in life. More Americans are choosing HSA plans in recent years, especially since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pregnancy And MRI Scanning
Before going in for your MRI scan, you should know whether or not you’re pregnant. If you are or suspect that you could be, it’s important to notify the healthcare provider beforehand or on the day about it. It is unlikely that anything negative could happen from having an MRI, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Whilst ultrasounds for pregnancies indeed work similarly, they are still fundamentally different. Fetal ultrasound is used to monitor growth and general development and will use different techniques to look inside.
How To Prepare For A-Scan
The build-up to having your MRI scan can be daunting, but there are things you can do to help prepare for it, and relax your mind. Some people get worried about the medication that they take, especially with possible interference. Rest assured, there won’t be any medication you take that will disrupt an MRI scan, as it looks deep inside you for issues that a pill won’t make a difference.
However, before you arrive for your MRI scan, you must avoid large quantities of water and liquid in general. That sadly means avoiding coffee for a short while, as this can make you feel uncomfortable during the procedure and cause bloating which can make it more difficult to scan, but not much. But you will want your doctor or technician to gather as much information as possible whilst you’re there.
You mustn’t take anything electronic or metal into the scan with you. This is because they are magnetic, which could be disastrous with forcing its way up during the scan, as well as disrupting the scan in general. This will be explained to you on the day, with certain effects of yours such as a phone or watch being taken away for safekeeping.
When you arrive for your scan, you will likely be taken to a waiting room that is designed to help make you feel calm. These rooms and facilities could have amenities for comfort, such as your favourite calming music or seating beforehand, whatever helps you to relax.
What You Can Expect During The Process
The scan from the patient’s point of view is rather simple. You will be taken to the MRI room where you will then lay down on a soft flatbed. This medical bed then slides into the MRI machine, which can be all around you whilst remaining open. Some people may feel claustrophobic due to the walls of the machine around them, but it’s important to note that you’re more open than you probably think.
It will benefit you to talk to the technician on the day about any fears you have so that they can explain to you what’s going on, and what you need to know. That’s because they may be able to accommodate certain wishes you have. During the scan, you will need to lay as still as possible to get the most accurate readings and results. Listen to the instructions given to you by the doctor, and don’t be alarmed at loud noises.
