What to Expect During Your MRI: A Patient’s Complete Guide

February 5, 2025

Brittany sat in her orthopedist’s office, her knee still sore from her weekend tennis accident. When her doctor mentioned she’d need an MRI, her mind filled with questions and, if she was honest, a touch of anxiety. “Will it hurt? Can I wear my wedding ring? What’s that loud banging noise I’ve heard about?”

She’s not alone – these are questions we hear every day at Beacon Orthopedics, and they’re all perfectly normal concerns. The truth is, while an MRI might seem intimidating, it’s one of the most valuable and straightforward diagnostic tools we have in modern medicine.

Last year alone, we helped thousands of patients like Brittany get the answers they needed through MRI scans, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process too. Watch this video to get a better idea of what to expect.

Click here to view video transcript

The Journey Begins: Scheduling Your MRI

Once your provider determines you need an MRI, our efficient scheduling process kicks into action. Our team will reach out within 24-48 hours to find a convenient time for your scan. Behind the scenes, we’re already working with your insurance company to ensure smooth pre-certification, so you can focus on preparing for your scan rather than paperwork.

Safety First: Our Top Priority

Your safety is our priority at Beacon Orthopedics. Before your scan, you’ll complete a screening questionnaire. This step helps us identify any potential concerns, such as metal implants or medical devices. While some patients worry about having metal in their body, don’t stress – many modern implants are MRI-compatible. We’ll work with you to obtain any necessary documentation and ensure a safe scanning experience.

Preparing for Scan Day: What to Wear and Bring

Make your MRI day stress-free by following these simple guidelines:

• Choose comfortable, cotton-based clothing
• Avoid athletic wear with moisture-wicking properties or copper-infused materials
• Leave jewelry at home, including wedding rings and permanent jewelry
• Arrive 15 minutes early to complete final preparations

The Scan Experience: Comfort Meets Technology

Many patients ask what the scan itself feels like. You’ll lie on a comfortable table that slides into our state-of-the-art MRI machine. The scan typically takes 20-30 minutes, during which you’ll need to remain still. We understand this might sound challenging, especially if you’re claustrophobic. That’s why we’ve developed various comfort techniques and can provide tips to help you through the process.

Making It Comfortable: The Sound Experience

One aspect that surprises many patients is the distinctive sounds an MRI machine makes. While these sounds can exceed 90 decibels, we’ve got you covered! We provide high-quality headphones that not only protect your hearing but also let you enjoy your favorite music during the scan. Think of it as a 30-minute private concert where you’re helping us capture important images of your body.

After Your Scan: Next Steps

Before you leave, we’ll schedule your follow-up appointment so you can review your results with your provider. This ensures you have a clear path forward in your treatment journey.

Your Partner in Care

At Beacon Orthopedics, we understand that medical imaging can cause anxiety. That’s why we’ve designed our MRI process to be as transparent and comfortable as possible. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, from scheduling to completing your scan.

Still have questions about your upcoming MRI? Feel free to learn more about the process with these additional resources:

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting an MRI
• Preparing For Your MRI

We also encourage you to reach out to your provider. We’re here to ensure you have the best possible experience during your visit to Beacon Orthopedics.

Remember, this imaging study is an important step in your healthcare journey, helping your provider develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs. We’re honored to be part of your path to better health.

Your comfort and care are our priorities at Beacon Orthopedics. Schedule your MRI with us today, and experience the difference that patient-centered care makes.

---

Video Transcript

“Your provider has ordered an MRI. What’s next? An order will be entered into your chart and sent to the MRI department. This is how the MRI department knows what to schedule.

If the provider you are seeing is at a location that has a scanner, please stop by the MRI department before leaving your appointment. Otherwise, our team will reach out to you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule your MRI.

Patient safety is a top priority here at OrthoAlliance. When a provider orders an MRI, there are steps that need to be taken to ensure you are okay to be scanned at one of our facilities. One step in patient safety is to complete the MRI patient history and safety screening. This is commonly referred to as the ‘safety sheet.’

The safety sheet is a questionnaire asking you which body part is being scanned, your symptoms, as well as past medical history. It also asks about any implants or metal you have in your body. Please answer each question honestly and to the best of your ability.

If you have any implants or metal in your body, we will need to obtain documentation before scheduling. Some implants are not MRI-safe, while others simply require special scanning instructions. Once that information has been received, the MRI tech will review it prior to scheduling. We want to take care of this before you arrive for your MRI to avoid any unnecessary delays.

The safety sheet is usually completed prior to the MRI being scheduled. However, if one of our talented MRI front desk staff schedules the MRI over the phone, the questions will be asked over the phone. When you arrive for the scan, you will complete the safety sheet, sign and date it.

Once the MRI is scheduled, the pre-certification team will be notified. This team will notify your insurance company that your provider has ordered an MRI. If necessary, they will provide any medical documentation to ensure the MRI is approved by insurance. If there are any issues with the approval, someone from the office will reach out to you.

What happens the day of your scan?

You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scan time. Please wear all-cotton clothing – no dry-fit, dry-wick, or copper-lined material. Make sure you have no metal of any kind on you as well. You may be given a gown and/or paper shorts to change into. All jewelry will need to be removed, including wedding rings and permanent jewelry. This is for your safety.

As a final check, the MRI tech will ask a series of safety questions again. While some of this can seem redundant, this is to make sure you are safe to have the MRI in our facility.

In the MRI room:

You will see a large MRI machine. This room has a very strong magnetic field. You will be positioned on a table. Once situated, the table will slowly move you into the MRI machine. You will be in the machine for 20 to 30 minutes. You will need to stay in the exact same position for the duration of the scan. If this could be a challenge for you or if you are claustrophobic, reach out to your provider. We do have tips and tricks to help you through the scan.

Once you are in the scanner, you will hear a series of very loud sounds. These noises are completely normal and will exceed 90 decibels. It will sound like this [sound effect]. We will provide headphones for you to use while in the scanner. It is mandatory that you wear them. You can even choose to listen to music through these headphones.

What happens once the scan is over?

In most cases, we will schedule a follow-up MRI appointment before you leave. This will be for you to see your provider to get your results. If you have any questions, reach out to your provider.”