If your physician has recommended an MRI, you may have questions or concerns. It’s completely normal to feel a little apprehensive about a medical procedure you’ve never experienced before. At Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, we want you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident about your MRI appointment.
What Is an MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Unlike X-rays or CT scans that use radiation, an MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It’s particularly good at showing soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, the brain, and internal organs.
Your physician might order an MRI to help diagnose a range of conditions, from sports injuries to neurological concerns. The detailed images help your medical team see exactly what’s happening inside your body so they can provide the best possible treatment plan.
The Ray County Hospital and Healthcare MRI Difference
Many people have heard that MRI machines can feel cramped or claustrophobic. That’s why we invested in the Siemens MAGNETOM Espree 1.5T MRI system—the widest opening on the market.
Our MRI features a 73cm bore opening. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly 30 inches of open space. This wide bore design means greater comfort and less anxiety during your exam. In fact, 60% of all MRI applications can be performed with your head completely outside of the machine.
For patients who have felt anxious about MRIs in the past, this can be a game-changer. Many of our patients tell us they were pleasantly surprised by how much more comfortable the experience was than they expected. Some even fall asleep during their scan!
What to Expect During Your MRI
Before Your Appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and accessories with metal
- Let us know if you have any metal implants, devices, or pacemakers
- Inform us if there’s any possibility you might be pregnant
- Arrive about 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork
During Your MRI: You’ll lie comfortably on a cushioned table that slides into the MRI machine. Depending on which part of your body we’re imaging, you may go in feet-first or head-first. Our technologist will position you carefully to get the best possible images.
The machine makes some loud knocking and humming sounds during the scan—this is completely normal. We’ll provide you with earplugs or headphones to make you more comfortable. Many patients listen to music during their scan.
Our technologist will be in constant communication with you throughout the entire exam. You’ll have a call button you can press at any time if you need anything. The exam typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on what we’re imaging.
After Your MRI: Once the scan is complete, you can immediately return to your normal activities. There’s no recovery time needed. Your images will be carefully reviewed by board-certified radiologists who specialize in MRI interpretation, and your physician will receive a detailed report, usually within 24-48 hours.
Advanced Technology You Don’t Have to Travel For
Some people assume they need to go to Kansas City or Columbia for advanced MRI technology. The truth is, our Siemens MAGNETOM Espree system is the same cutting-edge technology used in major academic medical centers. You get shorter exam times, greater image detail, and superior diagnostic quality—all right here in Ray County.
Why Image Quality Matters
Our advanced MRI system produces incredibly detailed images that help your physician make accurate diagnoses. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, neurological symptoms, or need follow-up imaging for a known condition, the quality of your MRI images directly impacts your care.
Our licensed, experienced MRI technologists are trained to capture the highest quality images while ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Every scan is reviewed by board-certified radiologists through United Imaging Consultants, providing you with expert interpretation you can trust.
Common MRI Applications
We perform MRI imaging for a wide range of medical concerns:
- Brain and spine imaging
- Joint injuries (knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist)
- Sports medicine and orthopedic conditions
- Abdominal and pelvic imaging
- Vascular studies
- And many other diagnostic needs
Scheduling Your MRI
Your physician will provide a referral for your MRI, which includes important information about what area needs to be imaged. Once we receive the referral, our scheduling team will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Have questions before your appointment? Don’t hesitate to call us at 816-470-5432. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect and address any concerns you might have.
Comfort, Quality, Convenience
At Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort, quality, and convenience. Our wide-bore MRI system delivers all three. You get world-class imaging technology, compassionate care from experienced technologists, and the convenience of staying close to home.
Because when you need answers about your health, you deserve the best diagnostic imaging available—right here in your community.