Serving Patients at the MRI Center, Navicent Health
Radiology Associates of Macon serves patients and private-practice physicians through Navicent Health’s world-class MRI Center. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, our board-certified radiologists equip Central Georgia with accurate MRI imaging and expert interpretations.
The MRI Center, offers two high-filed strength MRI scanners, one of which features the newest technology on the market, the 3.0 Tesla.
Discover More About Our Technology
How MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Works
MRI is noninvasive diagnostic testing that relies on a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and computer technology to capture detailed 3D images of the body’s internal structures. More detailed than an x-ray, MRI technology provides a deeper look into the body, offering clear images of soft tissues like ligaments, cartilage, and organs.
Physicians often require MRIs to better understand issues associated with the:
- Vessels
- Brain
- Spine
- Liver
- Eyes
- Joints
With clear MRI results:
- Diagnose cancer, diseases, and additional problems in the spine, heart, brain, and other organs
- Diagnose diseases and disorders of the eyes and ears
- Pinpoint the location and size of present tumors
- Diagnose orthopedic complications with any bones, joints, and soft tissues
- Create more informed treatment plans for diseases, cancers, disorders, or complications
Breast MRI
The MRI Center features special breast MRI technology that creates noninvasive 3D imaging of the breast. Doctors utilize these images to pinpoint any present tumors and closely examine the breast’s internal structures.
Although breast MRIs are not substitutes for mammography, Molecular Breast Imaging, self-exams, fine needle aspirations, or biopsies, they do assist doctors with diagnosis and treatment planning. Breast MRIs provide better images for women with dense breasts or breast implants over images from a mammogram.
Plus, tumors detected in a breast MRI can appear 100 times greater than they would on a mammogram. However, mammography shows small calcifications that indicate early stages of cancer, unlike a breast MRI.
Are You a Candidate for a Breast MRI?
Women with the following conditions benefit from a Breast MRI:
- Suspicious lumps or irregular mammogram results
- Cancer diagnoses, plans for surgery, or plans for post-surgery chemotherapy
- Increased risk for breast cancer due to:
- Prior cancer diagnosis
- Family history of breast cancer
- Positive testing for one of the breast cancer genes
Women should undergo screening for breast cancer starting as early as 40 years old. Diagnosing and treating breast cancer in its earliest stages greatly increases a patient’s chance of survival.
For more information about our MRI procedures, please call 478-746-1020
How to Prepare for an MRI Scan
If you are scheduled to receive an MRI, be sure to arrive early for your appointment at the MRI Center. Patients needing to undergo sedation should arrive an hour before their scheduled scan and must have someone available to drive them afterward.
Wear comfortable, metal-free clothes.
Do not wear:
- Pants or shirts with any metal (this includes buttons, snaps, hooks, eyelets, etc.)
- Fabric with metal microfibers
- Bras or undergarments with metal hooks or fasteners
- Metal accessories like jewelry, watches, hairpieces, or eyeglasses
Before the procedure, your technologist will ask if you have any conditions, metal implants, or devices that could complicate the exam. These may include:
- Allergies to contrast dye (if your exam calls for it)
- Aneurysm clips
- Claustrophobia
- Eye or ear implants
- Metal in the body from shrapnel or bullets
- Metal-based IUDs
- Pacemakers
- Penile implants
Learn More About How to Prepare for Your MRI
What to Expect During the MRI Procedure
A scan at the MRI Center typically lasts between 20-45 minutes based on the focused area of the body. Since the scanner creates hums and “knocks” throughout the procedure, patients will receive earplugs to help minimize the loud noises.
During the procedure, patients must lie completely still but can communicate with their technologist at any point.
Serving Pediatric Patients
We understand how difficult it can be to ensure a child remains still throughout the MRI process. Luckily the MRI Center is the only center in the region to feature board-certified pediatric specialists who supervise sedation for children should they need it during their scan.
MRI Risks and Precautions
The MRI Center does not utilize x-ray technology or radiation during an MRI scan, which greatly minimizes risk for patients. For certain scans, your physician may require an intravenous contrast that could cause mild allergic reactions. However, our doctors are available on-site to assist with any complications.
Since the scan requires patients to lie on their back while surrounded by a donut-shaped scanner, claustrophobic patients may choose mild sedation before the procedure begins.
Can a Patient be Unqualified for an MRI?
Some conditions or factors may prevent a patient from undergoing a scan. Whether it is from a device or an implant, metals in the body can complicate the procedure. The current technology featured at the MRI Center has made it okay to scan patients with pacemakers or certain metal implants.
Referrals
Physicians may refer patients to the MRI Center, Navicent Health, and patients are encouraged to request our center if a scan is needed.
Phone: 478-746-1020
Fax: 478-746-0591
MRI Center, Navicent Health
Radiology Associates of Macon offers MRI exams in Macon at:
MRI Center, Navicent Health
770 Pine Street, Suite L-15 (lower level)
Macon, GA 31201
Phone: 478-746-1020
The MRI Center, Navicent Health is a joint venture between Radiology Associates of Macon and Navicent Health. Visit the MRI Center’s webpage to learn more.
