A PATIENT’S GUIDE TO VERMONT OPEN IMAGING
Frequently Asked MRI Questions
Not seeing your question or need more information? Please call our friendly staff at 802-863-1249.
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Where X-rays look at your bones, an MRI looks at your soft tissues. They can help diagnose brain tumors, joint injuries, muscle tears, organ issues, and even cancer staging. Our radiologists have a range of subspecialties, and you can rest easy knowing your scan will be reviewed by the right specialist.
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In order to start the scheduling process, we will need a signed referral from your provider (MD, DO, DC, ND, PA or NP). Tell your provider about your symptoms and concerns. If your provider believes that it is medically necessary for you to have an MRI, then let them know you’d like to be seen at Vermont OPEN Imaging. In your conversation with the ordering office:
Tell them you’d like to come to VT OPEN
Ask them to fax the order and your clinical notes to 802-863-9979.
Let them know that we will take care of any prior authorization required by your insurance carrier.
Once we have your referral and have taken care of any prior authorization that may be required by your insurance, we will give you a call to get scheduled!
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The sounds come from electrical currents in the gradient magnets reacting to the main magnetic field. It is very noisy but don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal and means the machine is doing its job. If you would like to hear examples of the noises you may hear, click here.
We’ll provide headphones or earplugs, and for most exams, you can even listen to music to stay comfortable.
*Not all exams can accommodate music. Ask a staff member when scheduling if you can have music during your exam.
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Consider asking your doctor about anti-anxiety medication. You MUST have a driver if you take any anti-anxiety/sedatives for your exam.
Scheduled on our Open MRI? You can bring a support person—they can even hold your hand during some exams!
Knowledge is power! We make every effort to thoroughly explain the procedure and are always happy to answer any remaining questions you may have.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by their experience on our scanners!
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No. MRI uses magnetic fields, not radiation, so there’s no exposure risk.
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The contrast agent used for MRI studies is called gadolinium and is injected in to your arm. It is a clear fluid, which is injected into a vein in your arm and then excreted by the kidneys through your urine. Gadolinium makes certain tissues, abnormalities or disease processes more clearly visible. Allergic reactions to gadolinium contrast can occur but are extremely rare and generally respond very well to emergency drug treatment. When contrast is used, we always have a registered nurse onsite in the event of a reaction. To learn more about the contrast agent that will be used during your exam, download this guide (PDF).
Contrast Discharge Instructions can be found here.
If you have any concerns about the use of gadolinium, please discuss these with your referring doctor prior to your exam date.
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No, we’re an independent facility. However, we can easily share images and reports with most hospitals and providers for your follow-up care.
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We will have you remove or avoid wearing any jewelry or piercings, bras, and any clothing with metallic elements (i.e. zippers, snaps, metallic threading, etc.)
Depending on the type of MRI you are having, you may be able to wear your own clothing. If so, it must be entirely metal free, or you will be required to change. However, some exams will require you to change into scrubs regardless. Our staff will guide you as to how to prepare before your scan.
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For most MRIs, there is no preparation needed. Eat, drink, and take your medications as usual unless you’ve been given specific instructions for certain abdominal or pelvic scans that may require fasting.
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Once your appointment has been scheduled, if you provided us with an email, you will receive an invitation to register for our patient portal. This portal will have your upcoming appointment details and prior imaging reports available if you are a returning patient. You will also receive texts after your appointment informing you when your results are ready with a link to log in to the patient portal to view them. You will need to register in order to view a report. If you have questions on the registration process or issues with accessing the portal, please reach out to us at 802-863-1249.
Frequently Asked CT Questions
Not seeing your question or need more information? Please call our friendly staff at 802-863-1249.
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A CT scan (Computerized Tomography) use x-ray imaging combined with a special computer that creates cross-sectional (slices) pictures inside the body from many angles to create 3D images. CT scans can be used to detect, diagnose, or plan treatment for a disease or injury to internal organs, bones or soft tissue. They provide much greater detail than traditional x-ray imaging.
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In order to start the scheduling process, we will need a signed referral from your provider (MD, DO, DC, ND, PA or NP). Tell your provider about your symptoms and concerns. If your provider believes that it is medically necessary for you to have a CT, then let them know you’d like to be seen at Vermont OPEN Imaging. In your conversation with the ordering office:
Tell them you’d like to come to VT OPEN Imaging
Ask them to fax the order and your clinical notes to 802-863-9979.
Let them know that we will take care of any prior authorization required by your insurance carrier.
Once we have your referral and have taken care of any prior authorization that may be required by your insurance, we will give you a call to get scheduled!
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No, we’re an independent facility. However, we can easily share images and reports with most hospitals and providers for your follow-up care.
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Yes, like X-rays, CT scans use a small amount of ionizing radiation to capture images. The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm.
Our CT scanner is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation dose reduction software. You will receive the lowest possible radiation dose while still ensuring high-quality diagnostic images are attained.
If you have more questions or concerns, speak to your referring provider.
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The contrast agent used for our CT studies is an iodine-based dye administered through an IV. Contrast is used to make blood vessels, organs, and injuries more clearly visible to our radiologist to assist in diagnosing conditions and help guide treatment.
Patients report this contrast causes them to feel a warmth that radiates down their body. This can cause a sensation of needing to urinate. This is only a sensation; you will not actually urinate. Some people may also experience a “metallic” taste in their mouth. This is all normal and will go away within a few minutes after injection.
Most patients tolerate IV contrast well, but some risks include:
• Allergic reactions: Mild reactions (such as itching or rash) are uncommon, and severe reactions (such as difficulty breathing or low blood pressure) are rare but can be life-threatening.
• Kidney injury: Patients with kidney disease, diabetes, or dehydration are at higher risk for kidney problems after contrast. Your kidney function may be checked before the scan if you have risk factors.
• Contrast leakage: Rarely, contrast can leak outside the vein, causing pain or swelling. Most cases are resolved without treatment. When contrast is used, we always have a registered nurse onsite to evaluate, monitor, treat or escalate in the event of a reaction. To learn more about the contrast agent that will be used during your exam, download this guide (PDF).
Contrast discharge instructions can be found here.
If you have a known allergy to CT contrast/Iodine contrast dye, we would not be able to perform a contrast study here. You can discuss with your provider if you can be premedicated to receive dye in a hospital setting.
If you have any concerns about the use of contrast, please discuss those directly with your referring provider prior to your exam date.
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For your CT scan we recommend comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with no metal components as they may create a distortion in your imaging. We may request that you change into provided scrubs when you arrive. You may also be asked to remove metal objects that would be in the area we are imaging (i.e. glasses, hearing aids, jewelry, piercings, etc). Our staff will also explain how to best prepare prior to your arrival.
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For most CTs, there is no preparation needed. Eat, drink, and take your medications as usual unless you’ve been given specific instructions.
Arriving well hydrated prior to a contrast scan is recommended to help with IV placement as well as excretion of the contrast after your exam.
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Once your appointment has been scheduled, if you provided us with an email, you will receive an invitation to register for our patient portal. This portal will have your upcoming appointment details and prior imaging reports available if you are a returning patient. You will also receive texts after your appointment informing you when your results are ready with a link to log in to the patient portal to view them. You will need to register in order to view a report. If you have questions on the registration process or issues with accessing the portal, please reach out to us at 802-863-1249.
Have concerns? We help you overcome your obstacles.
I’M CLAUSTROPHOBIC!
With the only true Open MRI in the state and a wide bore closed MRI, we are confident that we can offer you the most comfortable and spacious MRI experience. CT scans tend to be much more comfortable for claustrophobic patients as the scan times are very quick and the machine is a more open, “doughnut shape” vs a “tube/tunnel”.
We see a lot of patients that struggle with claustrophobia so our staff is trained to be attuned to help you navigate nerves that may come with MRI or CT and will help coach you through your exam. We are here to support you!
CAN I AFFORD IT?
As the lowest cost provider in the area, we are considered preferred providers for many local insurance companies.
Prior to scheduling, our patient care coordinators check coverage and prior authorization requirements for all insurances. We will provide an estimate of potential cost or patient responsibility to reduce any confusion or stress related to navigating insurance coverage prior to your appointment.
Don’t have insurance? Our retail rates are the most affordable in the area.
HOW WILL MY DOCTORS GET MY IMAGES?
Continuity of care is never something you will need to compromise on at VT OPEN Imaging. We work closely with many hospitals, offices and private practices to give them secure, easy access to your results. We share imaging electronically with all local hospitals in the region and typically have the ability to share with most out of state providers as well. Let us know who is involved in your follow-up care, and we will send your results where they need to go!
What to Expect While You Are Here
You’ll sign a few quick registration forms and review your medical history with our team.
Our friendly staff (and possibly our office dog, Wayne) will make sure you’re comfortable and ready to go.
If you are having a contrast MRI or CT, our nurse will start an IV and thoroughly explain the procedure prior to getting on the scanner.
Most non-contrast MRI appointments take about 1 hour from check-in to check-out. Most CT appointments will take about 30-40 minutes.
If your exam includes contrast, please allow up to 30 extra minutes. There are some appointments that are even longer, but we will let you know this in advance.
We do our best to stay on schedule, but as a medical facility, some patients may need more time than expected. If we're running behind, we’ll try to let you know — but for a variety of reasons, we can’t always guarantee it. On a tight schedule? Feel free to call us at 802-863-1249 before your appointment for the most up-to-date timing.
Your provider will receive the radiologist’s report within 3-5 business days. We can share images with most healthcare facilities in the region. To learn more about getting your results to your healthcare team, call us at 802-863-1249.
If you’d like the results emailed to you too just let us know.