Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an appointment at Vermont Open MRI?

The first thing we need in order to start the scheduling process is a signed referral from your provider. That can be a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or chiropractor. Once we receive that referral, we will begin the process of reviewing your order, verifying your insurance benefits, getting a prior authorization if required with your insurance policy, and then will give you a call to get you scheduled. Typically, this is within a 24-48 hour window. If you have not received a call from us, feel free to call us at 802-863-1249. Please be aware your caller ID will not always show “Vermont Open MRI” or the call may show up as “Potential Spam”. We will always leave a message if able.

How long will the actual MRI exam take?

Most exams take about 45-60 minutes from check-in to check out.  Contrast exams may be up to an additional 30 minutes.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my exam such as fasting or avoiding exercise?

With the exception of certain abdominal and pelvic scans, there are no restrictions prior to your exam. You can go about your day as you normally would prior to your appointment.

I am really nervous about my MRI exam.  Is there anything I can do to feel better prepared?

First of all, we want you to know we understand EXACTLY how you feel. Many of our patients come to us after vowing to “never again” be put in to a traditional closed MRI tunnel/tube. The vast majority of patients who can’t or refuse to do a closed MRI can complete their MRI at our facility without any issues.

Some anxious patients may want to consider asking their referring doctor for a prescription of anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant and/or pain medication that can be taken prior to their exam to help them feel more relaxed. These patients will need to have a driver bring them to our office and drive them safely home.

With the exception of brain and some spine MRIs, we can also provide you with a headset so that you can listen to a Siruis XM radio station of your choice. You may also be allowed to have a friend or family member come into the room with you for extra moral support. For most exams, they can literally hold your hand to help you get through it.
Our staff will do everything they can to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the OPEN MRI difference!

What should I wear to the exam?

For some exams you may wear your own clothing as long as it does not contain any metal. For example: pants with zipper/buttons, underwire bras, etc. If your clothing contains metal, we will provide shirts and pants and a locker for you to secure your valuables.  

Can I keep my jewelry, ear or body piercings in during my exam?

It depends.  Jewelry (including jewelry used for piercings) may need to be removed for two reasons. If the metal is ferrous, that jewelry would not be safe to go into the MRI room and must be removed. If the metal is non-ferrous, it may still need to be removed. If the jewelry is too close to the part of the body being scanned, it could create an artifact, or “black hole”, on your MRI images. That could result in your scan being non-diagnostic. If you have jewelry you cannot remove on your own, you may need to consult your local piercer. We understand this may be inconvenient, but our priority is always your safety and obtaining the best possible images.

Not sure if your jewelry is ferrous? You can use a magnet at home and test in on your own.  If the magnet tries to “grab” the jewelry, then it cannot enter the exam room. Please call us at 802-863-1249 if you have further questions.

What about my belongings?

Wallets, phones, keys, watches, etc. are not allowed in the MRI exam room.  The MRI’s powerful magnet can adversely affect these items. You will be able to securely store your belongings during the scan.

Why does the MRI machine have to make so much noise?

The noise is due to the rising electrical current in the wires of the gradient magnets being opposed by the main magnetic field. The stronger the main field, the louder the gradient noise.  You will be given a set of specially designed headphones (except for brain and neck scans) and allowed to listen to a radio station of your choice during your exam or, we can provide you with earplugs.  Believe it or not, about 25% of our patients actually fall asleep during their exam despite the noise!

Will I be exposed to radiation during my exam?

No.  MRI does not use any type of radiation whatsoever. 

My exam requires a contrast injection.  What kind of dye do you use, where will I be injected and is it safe?

The contrast agent used is called gadolinium and is injected into your arm. It is a clear, colorless fluid, which is injected into a vein in your arm and is excreted by the kidneys through your urine. Gadolinium makes certain tissues, abnormalities or disease processes more clearly visible. Gadolinium contrast medium is generally very safe. Allergic (anaphylactic) reactions to gadolinium contrast medium have occurred but are extremely rare. These severe reactions generally respond very well to emergency drug treatment. We have a physician, physician’s assistant onsite or nurse on-site to administer life-saving measures in the event of a reaction. Please click on this link to view the medication guides regarding the contrast agent that will be used during your study. If you have any concerns about the use of gadolinium, please discuss these with your referring provider.

Is Vermont Open MRI a part of a hospital network?

We are not affiliated with any of the local hospital networks. However, we are able to share images seamlessly with most local hospitals and doctors’ offices. The report of our radiologist’s findings will be automatically faxed to your referring provider. Let us know who else you may want to share those results with, and they can easily be sent to anyone involved in your care. Receiving care out of state? Ask us how best to share your results electronically for your follow up care.

How soon will I get my results?

Our radiologist will read your images and a report will be faxed to your referring provider within 3-5 business days. After 5 business days, if your ordering provider has not yet received your results, please call our office at 802-863-1249. If you would like access to your results directly, please provide your email to one of our patient care coordinators and a link will be sent to you with your results whenever they have been finalized by our radiologist.

Vermont Open MRI and New Hampshire Open MRI will use and disclose your personal health information to treat you, to receive payment for the care we provide, and for other health care operations. Health care operations generally include those activities we perform to improve the quality of care. We have prepared a detailed Notice of Privacy Practice to help you better understand our policies in regards to your personal health information. The terms of the notice may change with time and we will always post the current notice at our office and have copies available for distribution.