MRI Patient Preparation

What you need to know before your MRI

We want your MRI to be as comfortable and efficient as possible, please refer to the information below so you can prepare before your arrival.

An MRI exam lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes from beginning to end of scan time.

You will receive a reminder call prior to your appointment. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have prior to your appointment at (805) 230-2700.

Let your doctor and technologist know if:

Click on the headings for more information.

You have any metal or electronic devices in your body.

Since the presence of metal in your body may be a safety hazard or affect a portion of the MRI image, before receiving an MRI, inform your technologist if you have any metal or electronic devices in your body, such as:

metallic joint prostheses
artificial heart valves or cardiac stents
an implanted heart defibrillator
a pacemaker
metal clips
cochlear implants
a bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment

You think you’re pregnant.

Before you schedule an MRI, tell your doctor if you think you’re pregnant. Your doctor may recommend choosing an alternative exam or postponing the MRI.

You have kidney or liver problems.

It is also important to discuss any kidney or liver problems with your doctor and the technologist. Problems with these organs may limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.

Contrast Injections

A contrast injection may be necessary to provide better information in some MRI exams. Our staff will notify you at the time you schedule your MRI if this is necessary in your exam. If an IV contrast is required for your exam please start to hydrate the day before the procedure. It is recommended you do not breast feed for 48 hours after you received an IV contrast injection.

Food and Drink

Before an MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed. Please note for abdominal studies we ask you withhold oral food and fluids by mouth for a minimum of four to six (4-6) hours prior to your exam.

Clothing and Personal Items

You may be asked to change into our gown/pants depending on your procedure. You may be asked to remove jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, watches, wigs, dentures, hearing aids, underwire bras and metallic make-up. Lockers are provided for your belongings. Wheelchair access is available upon request.

Insurance

We are proudly contracted with most major insurance plans, as well as Medicare and workers’ compensation. We send bills directly to our patients’ insurance companies.

Please bring your insurance information to every appointment.

To further verify if we accept your insurance plan, please call the office.

Forms

Because we value your time, you can help us manage your appointment efficiently by downloading, filling out and printing the patient form below before your arrival. Please bring this completed form with you to your appointment.

MRI SCREENING FORM

To download, complete and print fillable forms you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 (or later).
Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free download.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Office Hours

Monday-Friday | 8 am - 5 pm
Saturday | 8 am - 1 pm

St. Charles Imaging Center

558 St. Charles Drive | Suite 111
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Contact

Phone: (805) 230-2700
Fax: (805) 230-2750