FAQs

General Questions

What insurance plans do you accept?

Southwest Diagnostic Centers accepts most insurance plans.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF ACCEPTED INSURANCES

Do you accept payment plans?

Please contact our facility at (719) 380-7210 if you have special financial needs.

How can I get the results of my exam?

The results of your exam will be available within 24 hours, and will be sent to your referring doctor.

What if I have had a scan of the same body part before?

If you have had a previous scan done on the same body part, let your scheduler know and we can have our radiologists compare the new images with the old ones to track changes or progress. Even if the scan was performed at a different facility we will still be able to compare the images.

MRI Questions

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated diagnostic technique that uses field, radio waves and a computer to generate detailed, cross-sectional images of human anatomy. Because it produces better soft-tissue images than x-rays can, MRI is most commonly used to image the brain, spine, thorax, vascular system and musculoskeletal system (including the knee and shoulder).

When is an MRI needed?

An MRI scan produces very detailed images and provides specific diagnostic information to help rule out disease and facilitate medical, surgical or other treatment.

What happens during an MRI scan?

Examination time depends upon the part of the body being examined, but typically ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and metal. Remember, the magnet will stop wristwatches and erase credit cards and bank cards, so don’t take them into the exam room with you. You will be provided a secure place to store these items during your examination.

For most types of exams, the MR technologist will wrap a special coil around the body part that is being examined. The coil helps concentrate the radio frequency pulses. The MR technologist then will position you on a padded, movable table that will slide into the opening of the scanner. Although the technologist will be controlling the procedure from an adjacent room, he or she will be able to communicate with you at all times.

During the scan, you will hear a series of pulsing noises that sound like knocking or banging. These are normal sounds produced by the equipment. Southwest Diagnostics offers a wide variety of music to help pass the time and ease anxiety. You are welcome to bring your favorite music selection in CD format. Sorry personal listening devices (i.e., iPod or CD players) are not safe to operate within the MRI suite.

Who performs MRI scans?

A technologist generally conducts the MRI scan under the guidance of a radiologist. The radiologist will review the results of the scan and then the images along with a written report will be sent to your referring doctor.

How do I prepare for the exam?

In most cases you don’t have to do anything to prepare for the MRI scan. Unless you are instructed otherwise, you may eat and drink as normal, and can continue to take any prescribed medications.

If you are having a scan of the abdomen or pelvis, do not eat or drink anything two hours before the appointment. This is important to ensure high-quality pictures.

What is a contrast MRI scan?

In a contrast scan, a clear non-radioactive liquid will be injected into the vein; usually in your arm. This contrast agent makes certain details appear clearer. If your doctor orders a scan with contrast, you will need to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day after the scan.

What if I am pregnant?

Your doctor will determine whether you should have an MRI scan. If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, please call us so we can consult with your physician and discuss the situation with you.

What is an MR arthrogram?

The term “arthrogram: means “study of a joint.” In an MR arthrogram, fluid is placed into the joint, followed by an MRI scan. The addition of the fluid greatly enhances the quality of the examination. MR arthrography is more accurate and provides more information than a conventional MRI scan in many instances. This examination gives your doctor important information about many problems with your joint.

How is an MR arthrogram done?

The skin over the area where the injection will be given is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The physician injects a local anesthetic to numb the area and a thin needle is inserted into the joint. Contrast material (fluid) is injected into the joint. In some cases, a small amount of medication or air may also be injected. During the injection of the contrast agent, patients may feel some slight pressure or discomfort as the joint is distended. The sensation is temporary. Some soreness may be present at the injection site for up to 24 hours.

What should I do after the arthrogram?

Patients may resume non-strenuous activities immediately after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours following the procedure. There may be mild discomfort of the joint following the exam. You may apply ice to the joint and take a mild pain relief medicine such as Tylenol but avoid aspirin. The discomfort will disappear within 1-2 days after the exam.

Can everyone have an MRI scan?

Most patients can have an MRI exam, however there are a few exceptions:

1. -A pacemaker or artificial valve in your heart.
   

2. -Metal pins, plates, rods, screws or nails anywhere in your body.
   

3. -Wire sutures or surgical staples.
   

4. -An insulin pump.
   

5. -An aneurysm clip.
   

6. -A joint replacement.
   

7. -An ear implant.
   

CT Questions

What is a CT?

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a computer enhanced x-ray study. The CT scanner rotates around the patient’s body, sending out x-ray beams. Crystals positioned at the opposite points of the beam pick up and record the absorption rate of the varying thickness of tissue and bone. A computer integrates these images to create a two dimensional image of the body.

What are the risks?

Radiation- As with any x-ray procedure, radiation is a risk. However, CT scans are designed to obtain the most information with the least possible radiation exposure.

What are the benefits?

Greater Accuracy- CT scan images may give more detailed results than other diagnostic techniques.

Earlier Detection- CT scans can often detect the smallest abnormalities, allowing treatment to begin early, when chances for cure are greater.

How should I prepare for the exam?

These are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider or our facility will give you complete detailed instructions before your appointment.

If  oral or IV contrast is to be used, you may be advised to avoid food or fluids 4-8 hours before the test. Depending on the body part being scanned, you may be asked to drink a mixture called contrast that will aid in the evaluation of your exam.  Certain types of studies also require an IV contrast material, which will be an intravenous injection. It highlights certain structures, making the results more readable.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing- you’ll want to be comfortable prior to and during the test. (You’ll change into a smock for a full body scan.) Remove jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, dentures, etc. before a head scan.

What can I expect during the exam?

When you enter the exam room, you will be asked to lie on the scanner table. A technologist, who is trained in the use of this specialized equipment, will assist you into the correct position. The table will then be moved into the scanner’s opening to perfectly align the body part to be studied. After each image is taken, the table will advance slightly to scan the next portion. The cross-sectional images are taken by the computer, somewhat like “slices of bread.”

As you are moved through the scanner, relax and remain as still as possible. If a scan of your chest or abdomen is being done, you will be asked to hold your breath with each picture. This is to avoid any blurring of the image created, caused by breathing movements. Each picture takes only five seconds to complete. The technologist will tell you when to breath.

What if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, please let your health care provider know before scheduling this exam.

What will happen following the CT exam?

You may resume your regular diet and medication schedule immediately after the exam, unless your physician has advised you differently.