MarinHealth Outpatient Imaging Center

MarinHealth Outpatient Imaging Center is an accredited American College of Radiology (ACR) MRI scanning facility, that provides high-field MRI scanning services. This accreditation insures the highest technical and professional quality of examinations for our patients. The American College of Radiology is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging and sets and constantly monitors quality standards to continuously improve patient care. Learn more about ACR accreditation, and what it means to you as a patient.

Scans are read by radiologists with subspecialty qualifications in spine and musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradiology, brain, and body imaging. MarinHealth Outpatient Imaging Center also has an active breast imaging program, working in conjunction with the MarinHealth’s Breast Health Center. Formal reports are available to referring physicians within 24 hours of the completion of the exam and stat reports are immediately called or faxed. Physicians may also access the images for their patients on our secure website.

We are a teaching facility participating in the National Orthopedics Imaging Associates fellowship program. We regularly host interdisciplinary spine conferences, bringing together spine clinicians and imaging specialists for cross-specialty patient evaluations and continuing medical education. Our Radiologists also actively participate in the American College of Radiology (ACR) RADPEER quality assurance program.

Preparing for an MRI Exam

Because the MRI scanner uses a magnetic field to produce images, certain types of metals cannot enter the scanning room. To ensure the safety of patients and technologists, a metal screening form needs to be completed during the scheduling process and reviewed by the technologists upon patient arrival. In advance of your scheduled MRI, please be aware of the following:

• When scheduling your appointment, please let us know if you are pregnant or have a cardiac pacemaker, cardiac valves, implanted cardiac defibrillator, aneurysm clips, cochlear ear implants, heart stents, and retinal implants.
• If you have had a prior evaluation for the procedure you will be having with us, please notify us at least 24 hours before your exam.
• You will receive instructions regarding any special preparations you need to consider for your exam, when scheduling your appointment.
• If you are having a brain (head) MRI, do not wear any makeup.
• Hairpins and clips must be removed prior to the examination.
• If you are having an abdominal MRI, do not drink or eat anything for six hours prior to the exam.
• Continue taking all medications as prescribed—this will not affect your scan.
• Leave any valuables at home.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to register with us, and allow at least an hour for each scheduled MRI exam. Be sure to bring your insurance cards and photo ID to your appointment. Results will be sent to your referring doctor within two to three business days.

Viewing Your Results

Patients can use MyChart – MarinHealth’s Patient portal – to check their lab and radiology results online. MyChart is a secure website where you can see a summary of the services you receive at MarinHealth Outpatient Imaging Center, review your immunization schedule, access your medical records, and more.

Forms

Filling these out in advance of your procedure will save you time. Print out the form to bring with you to your MRI appointment.

• MRI Spine Evaluation Form
• MRI Screening Form (English)
• MRI Screening Form (Spanish)