Patients are #1 at M1 Imaging Center

Patients

Have you ever had an MRI? Some patients are nervous when they get the first referral to have an MRI done, thinking it will take a long time, in an uncomfortable and tight position. Many people don’t even know what an MRI is. Our patient care specialists walk you through the entire process so that you are comforted with information and the confidence needed to make your visit easy and successful. Plus, our technology is open and quick, allowing our patients to feel relaxed during imaging.

Oftentimes, when people complain of pain in their neck or lower back, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s causing it. Our technology helps us get real answers, quickly, so your physician can prescribe the right protocols that lead to healing. Better diagnostics are just one of the many benefits of M1 Imaging!

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Image, allows doctors to see inside the body to properly assess and diagnose medical conditions. Unlike X-rays, an MRI uses a magnet, radio waves and coils to detect electrical signals from the body. A computer processes the information to create detailed images doctors can understand to see what’s going on inside.

M1 Imaging gives each patient a CD of their MRI to take with them after the test is complete and share with their provider. We also offer transportation services for patients unable to drive.

Here are a few key details that our patients find helpful in understanding the MRI process at M1:

  • M1 uses cutting-edge technology that offers higher image quality, faster exams and greater patient comfort.
  • We are the only MRI center in the state of Michigan using the DynaWell L-Spine compression device for weight-bearing MRIs so you have the most detailed information possible.
  • MRIs do not hurt! If you have a compression-based L-Spine MRI, you may experience the same discomfort as when you are standing, even though you are laying down for the scan.
  • Our MRI unit has a wide opening, so it is less confining than older systems and more comfortable for patients.
  • MRIs do not use harmful radiation; there are no known health side effects. However, some patients are not good candidates for MRI – please inform your physician if you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, a shunt with telesensor, inner-ear implants, metal fragments in one or both eyes, implanted spinal cord stimulators or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • For some MRI exams, patients are asked to fast for several hours beforehand. Some need to swallow a fluid or have an injection to help show what’s happening inside your body. Guidelines vary with each condition.
  • All patients are required to remove all metal, including jewelry and watches, and credit cards, too. You may need to wear a gown or wear loose-fitting clothing devoid of zippers, buttons or metal hooks.
  • Most patients are very comfortable in M1 Imaging’s MRI. It is so open that most exams allow a patient’s head and feet to be outside of the system during imaging!
  • This is not a noisy process; the magnet makes a slight rapping sound as images are recorded. You will be provided with headphones for hearing protection before your scan begins.
  • At our facility, patients are always in close proximity to the MRI technologist as well as to family members who accompany them for the scan. You will not be alone.
  • MRIs provide the best results when a patient holds still during the exam.
  • Scans take between 8-40 minutes to complete.

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Patient FAQ

  • What’s an MRI?

    MRIs or Magnetic Resonance Images let doctors see inside your body to identify a wide variety of possible medical conditions—all without exposure to X-rays.  Instead, an MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and special coils to detect electrical signals from your body.  A computer then processes this information to create detailed images our doctors can use to find out what’s wrong with you or a family member.

  • Why is M1 the right choice for an MRI?

    At M1 Imaging Center we ensure our doctors and staff have access to the best imaging equipment available and help deliver the best experience possible to our patients.  More accurate scans mean less repeat exams for you!  Also, we are conveniently located with parking right in front of our building.  We provide you with a CD after your MRI which you can then take with you to your doctor.  We can also provide transportation if you are unable to drive.  Just call our office to (248) 268-2119.

  • How do I schedule an MRI at M1 Imaging Center?

    In most cases, your doctor can do that for you.  However, M1 will be in touch with you to confirm your appointment.  If you have questions about getting an MRI at M1, be sure to contact us at  (248) 268-2119.

  • What kind of technology do you use?

    M1 Imaging Center uses a new Philips Ingenia 1.5T open MRI system that offers vastly improved performance in three key areas:  image quality, exam speed, and patient comfort.  We are also the ONLY facility in the entire state of Michigan with the DynaWell L-Spine compression device for axial loaded weight-bearing MRIs so that you have the most accurate and reliable scan available in the market today.

  • Do MRIs hurt?

    MR imaging is painless and much quicker than you might think, especially with our new Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI technology. It has a wide opening, so it’s much less confining than older MR systems and a lot more comfortable for more patients. Since it’s fast and accurate, you’ll be done quickly and it’s less likely your doctor will have to run any follow-up scans. If you are having a compression-based L-Spine MRI, you may experience the same discomfort as when you are standing even though you will be laying down.

  • Is there any risk?

    MRIs use no harmful radiation and there are no known health side effects.  MRI studies are very low-risk procedures for most patients.  However, an MRI isn’t for everyone.  Be sure to inform your physician if you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, a shunt with telesensor, inner ear implants, metal fragments in one or both eyes, implanted spinal cord stimulators, or if you’re pregnant or breast feeding.

  • How do I prepare for my MRI exam?

    For many MRI exams, no special preparation is needed.  For some, you may need to fast for 4-12 hours prior to the exam.  Others require you to swallow a fluid, or to have an injection, that helps show what’s going on inside your body.  Guidelines vary with the specific exam and also with the facility.  You will be asked to remove all metal (earrings, watches, bobby pins, etc.) and credit cards.  You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam or wear loose-fitting clothing with no metal fasteners, zippers, or buttons.

  • Does the scanner make a lot of noise?

    The magnet makes a slight rapping sound as images are being taken.  In between scans the machine is quiet.  Your MRI technologist will provide you with hearing protection, but you can still hear the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.

  • Will I get claustrophobic?

    M1 Imaging Center offers state-of-the art technology and an “open” MRI system that you can feel good about.  It’s based around a wide-bore 70cm magnet, and has a much more open feel than conventional MR systems.  The open system allows us to image patients with diverse sizes (up to 550 lbs), ages, and physical conditions.  In fact, most scans can be performed with your head and feet entirely out of the opening.  You’ll probably be very comfortable as you lie on the padded table.

  • Will I be alone?

    You’ll be in contact with one of our technologists at all times.  Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to talk to him or her by intercom.  In some cases a family member is welcome to stay in the room with you during your scan.

  • Will I have to hold still the whole time?

    We’ll get the highest quality results if you hold still during the exam.  The technologists will guide you and let you know when you can move between scans.

  • How long will the exam take?

    With our advanced MRI technology, we can perform routine exams of the brain, spine, knee, ankle, and liver quickly and easily, some cases in less than 8 minutes – with superb image quality.  More complex vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal studies can last from 20 to 40 minutes. You should allow extra time in case the exam lasts longer than expected.

Insurance

M1 Imaging accepts

most healthcare insurance plans

including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Medicare.

Insurance

  • Coverage

    M1 Imaging accepts most healthcare insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Medicare.

  • Lower Costs

    The DynaWell compression device does not increase the cost of the L-Spine MRI, and the addition of flexion and extension for C-spine is only billed as one C-spine scan.

  • Payments

    Cash patients pay directly at time of service or via invoiced billing sent in the mail after the exam is completed.

  • Scan Results

    Patients receive a CD of their scans at no charge.