MRI

Why Might I Need an MRI?

The high-resolution images produced by MRI technology can help diagnose a variety of problems, including:

• Back pain
• Head and neck conditions
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, hips, knees, ankle and foot injuries
• Abdomen and pelvic diseases
• Tumors and abnormalities in many internal organs such as liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries and prostate
• Breast cancer

Advanced MRI Technology

Cape Cod Healthcare provides convenient access to advanced MRI imaging.

Cape Cod Hospital proudly offers the GE Signa Voyager 1.5T wide bore MRI scanner, a cutting-edge, AI-enabled system that reduces scan times by up to 60%, reducing the amount of time needed in the machine to improve the patient experience. This updated system enhances the quality and precision of the imaging, and the wide-bore setting offers added comfort and less confinement. AI-integration is also available at Cape Cod MRI in West Yarmouth and at Stoneman Outpatient Center in Sandwich and Fontaine Outpatient Center in Harwich.

In addition to our 1.5-tesla MRI machines located across Cape Cod, Cape Cod Healthcare offers 3-tesla (3T) MRI scanners at Wilkens Outpatient Medical Complex in Hyannis and at Cape Cod MRI in West Yarmouth, which provide the most powerful FDA-approved MRI scanning technology available.

The increased image clarity provided by the 3T MRI delivers enhanced views of the brain, spine and particularly the vascular system, a benefit unreachable by less powerful technology. This ability may allow a 3T angiogram scan to replace invasive vascular testing, like diagnostic catheter procedures.

How to Prepare

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for insurance paperwork and patient screening with an MRI technologist.

A few additional steps can also ensure your safety and comfort in the MRI environment:

• Dress in comfortable clothing with no metal zippers or buttons*
• Wear a sport bra without underwires
• When possible, leave jewelry and other valuables at home

*Because MRI uses a magnet, metal can interfere with the image. Belts, zippers and buttons may contain metal, so if you dress with these items, your MRI technologist may ask you to change into a hospital gown/pants.

The only exams where there is a specific preparation is for abdominal studies (Abdomen, MRCP, and Enterography). Nothing by mouth 4-6 hours prior to exam, except for diabetics. For diabetics, we ask them to be NPO 2 hours prior. Medication to be taken as usual.

MR Arthrogram

No special preparation is needed for an MR arthrogram. You can eat and drink as you normally would and should take any prescribed medicines. If you have had an allergic reaction to contrast agents, please contact your referring physician as he or she may recommend other diagnostic procedures. If you have bleeding problems or are currently on anticoagulants, such as Coumadin or aspirin, inform your doctor before the scheduled exam.