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ExpertMRI Blog

Benefits of Front Open MRI 

About MRI Scans and Front Open MRI

Doctors use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests to examine your organs, tissues, and bones. An MRI produces three-dimensional images of the inside of your body, and it helps doctors diagnose a variety of medical conditions. During a typical MRI test, patients lie in a long tube. However, a front open MRI utilizes an open-facing design to provide patients the option to lie in a bed instead of being enclosed in a tube.

Radiation-Free

Both traditional and front open MRIs are free of radiation. X-ray, PET, and CT scans all have risks of radiation exposure, but MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, an MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make images. It is one of the safest medical procedures available. 

Ideal for Patients With Claustrophobia or Anxiety

Traditional MRI might not be a good option for people with claustrophobia or anxiety. A front open MRI allows the front of the patient to stay open. Many patients feel more comfortable in an open environment. It is estimated that one in five patients experiences some anxiety during a traditional MRI. In fact, an MRI scan might be the first time a patient experiences claustrophobia, so front open MRI scans are more likely to be completed. Additionally, open MRIs help prevent the need for sedation or anxiety medication, which a patient might need during a traditional MRI.

Designed for Children, Seniors, and Patients of All Sizes

Younger patients are able to be accompanied by their parents during a front open MRI. Also, the procedure is more accessible for patients with mobility restrictions. For instance, some patients might not be able to lie flat on their back; a front open MRI allows them to remain in a different position. Larger than average patients can have trouble fitting into a traditional machine’s cylinder. Patients of all sizes can comfortably undergo an open MRI.

Less Noisy Than Traditional MRI

Traditional MRI scanners are quite loud. The metal coils vibrate inside a metal compartment and can create sounds as loud as 110 decibels. This is equivalent to the loudness of a jackhammer or a power saw. Most patients have to wear earplugs to protect their ears. Open MRI scanners do not have an enclosed tube, so they are much quieter than traditional MRIs. It is easier for patients to communicate with the technologist during an open MRI. When a patient is comfortable, they are more likely to hold still and allow for a high-quality image.

Front Open MRI at Expert MRI

Expert MRI offers front open MRI scans at locations throughout Southern California. If you are interested in front open MRI, please contact us at 877-674-8888 to learn more. You can also schedule an appointment by clicking here.

Everything You Should Know About CT Scans

Overview of CT Scans

CT stands for computerized tomography. A CT scan combines many x-ray images to create a three-dimensional picture of your tissues and bones. Doctors often request CT scans over x-rays because CT scans give them more details about the inside of your body. CT scans are also called CAT (computerized axial tomography) scans.

You can receive a CT scan of any part of your body. The process is quick and painless. Your doctor will help you decide if CT is right for you.

About CT Technology

A CT scanner is a donut-shaped tube with an x-ray that rotates around a patient. There are beams and detectors, which measure the amount of radiation absorbed by your body. The x-ray takes pictures from different angles, each an individual slice of your body. A computer combines these images to create a cross-sectional image, which can then be interpreted by a radiologist.

Uses of CT Scans

CT imaging is one of the most accurate tools for examining tissue. People of all ages can receive a CT scan. Your healthcare provider might order a CT scan to determine the location of a tumor or certain health condition. CT scans also help diagnose muscle and bone disorders. They can monitor the effectiveness of treatments, detect internal injuries, and guide surgical procedures. These are only a few of the various uses for CT scans.

Preparing for a CT Scan

Your doctor will give you individualized instructions about how you should prepare for your CT scan. You should plan on arriving early to the imaging center. Some CT scans require you to avoid eating or drinking in the four hours before your scan. Continue to take all of your regular medications unless otherwise directed.

Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. It might be necessary for you to change into a gown when you arrive. You will be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan: zippers, jewelry, hearing aids, piercings, etc.

CT Scans at ExpertMRI

ExpertMRI is California’s leading diagnostic specialty provider in CT scans. If you have additional questions regarding CT with ExpertMRI, please call us at 877-674-8888.

LDCT Lung Screening 

An important and potentially lifesaving test for current and former smokers

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than any other form of cancer. In fact, more people die from lung cancer than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined. This is because it is usually detected after the disease has already spread throughout the lungs or to other parts of the body.

However, when you detect lung cancer before outward symptoms appear, there are more treatment options available. Studies have shown that when current and former smokers are screened with computed tomography (“CT”) imaging, the mortality rate for lung cancer victims reduces by approximately 20%. 

What is “LDCT lung screening?”

“LD” stands for low dose, meaning low radiation dose (safely low enough to have on an annual basis). “CT” stands for computed tomography, a type of advanced imaging test. LDCT uses x-ray images and a sophisticated computer to generate images of the lungs. Our radiologists review these images to see if there are any abnormalities in the lungs, which could be lung cancer.

How accurate is LDCT lung screening?

Patients screened with LDCT have a 20% greater survival rate than those who do not undergo this screening. It is far more accurate than a chest x-ray and can detect small cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Should I get one?

If you are between the ages of 50 and 70 and have smoked a pack a day or more for 20 years, your insurance may cover this test. If you feel that you are at risk for lung cancer but do not qualify for insurance coverage, you can still have the scan for a very affordable cash price.

How do I schedule an LDCT lung screening?

LDCT lung screening is offered at our Sherman Oaks, Costa Mesa, Fullerton and Bellflower locations. To make an appointment, simply call us at (877) 674-8888 or email referrals@expertmri.com.

The importance of knowing the TOTALITY of client injury

Accurately diagnosing soft tissue injuries within the neck and spine can be challenging. What’s more, subjective clinical assessments alone are not enough. According to a meta-analysis of 33 clinical studies, diagnostic imaging was not performed in patients presenting for care—contrary to guidelines—in 65.6% of patients with red flags and in 60.8% of patients with a clinical suspicion of lower back pathology.1
Most attorneys now know that MRI is the recommended initial imaging modality for diagnosing traumatic fracture and soft tissue injury due to its higher sensitivity. It is superior to other imaging modalities (like X-ray) for detecting anomalies of the spinal cord, bulging discs, small disc herniations, pinched nerves and a myriad of soft tissue problems.2 In fact, MRI has achieved reported sensitivities for intervertebral disc injury of 93%, posterior longitudinal ligament injury of 93% and interspinous ligament injury of 100%.3
“Using MRI as an initial diagnostic step for neck and back injuries can not only affirm an initial diagnosis, but may reveal additional pathology,” says Dr. Sana Khan, Medical Director of Expert MRI. “A quality MRI study provides the objective evidence for insurance companies that may be necessary to ensure the patient receives the full amount of care needed for their recovery.”

Khan notes, however, that not all MRI providers are adept at finding the full extent of injury. “Traditional MRI is powerful and accurate, however it fails more than 50% of the time when it comes to identifying cervical spine and ligament damage caused by a whiplash injury.”

Khan claims that the two key elements are needed to identify the true breadth of these injuries. “First, you need a team of radiologists experienced in this type of musculoskeletal diagnosis. Experience really does matter, especially as it relates to soft tissue injury. Second, you need the right imaging tools to identify the injury. In my experience, you need the option to image the patient in multiple positions that are not possible with supine MRI systems, which image the patient when they are lying down. If the pain is only present when the patient is standing, traditional MRI may never identify the problem.”

In addition to high-field MRI, Dr. Khan’s team uses upright MRI systems. These can often reveal problems that would otherwise not have been found.

“Having the right MRI tools at your disposal is so vitally important to diagnosing the totality of injury. When the full extent of the injury is documented, it becomes much easier for that patient to receive the full amount of insurance coverage needed for their treatment, which can often take many months of therapy. And for an accident/injury case, this ensures the attorney is able to maximize the amount of award for their client, to ensure they are treated properly.”

  • Jenkins H, Downie AS, Maher CG, Moloney NA, Magnussen JS, Hancock MJ. Imaging for low back pain: is clinical use consistent with guidelines? A systematic review and meta-analysis [published online January 5, 2018]. Spine Journal. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.05.004
  • Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2017;389(10070):736–747. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9. 
  • Goradia D, Linnau KF, Cohen WA, Mirza S, Hallam DK, Blackmore CC. Correlation of MR imaging findings with intraoperative findings after cervical spine trauma. Am J Neuroradiol2007;28:209-15. 

Arthrography—When standard imaging isn’t enough to diagnose the source of joint pain.

An arthrogram helps your doctor diagnose unexplained shoulder, hip, knee or other joint pain. It can show problems with ligaments, tendons and cartilage with excellent clarity—problems that might not show up on standard imaging like X-ray. It can also help determine the best treatment option for you. If you’ve already had joint replacement surgery, it may be used to evaluate the joint to ensure that it is working properly. 

At Expert MRI, we perform both MR and CT Arthrograms. This simply means that either MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography or “cat scan”) is used to perform the procedure. The one you will have will depend on several factors, including the joint being evaluated and whether or not you are allergic to certain contrast materials.

In either case, the arthrogram enables the joint to be imaged in several positions. Sometimes, a traction device may be used to stretch the joint to allow the radiologist a wider view of the joint. In other cases, items like pillows or sand bags may be used to help position the joint for optimal imaging.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of soft tissues and bone. It does not use any form of ionizing radiation, like with x-rays. MR arthrography involves the injection of a contrast material called gadolinium into the joint before the test. The contrast material outlines the structures within the joint and allows them to be more easily seen and evaluated by the radiologist. 

CT is an imaging system that revolves around the patient, taking multiple x-rays at different angles. A computer then processes these into cross sectional images of anatomy. Because CT arthrography is X-ray based, a different type of contrast material containing iodine is used.  

Arthrography is particularly effective for detecting tears or lesions of the structures and ligaments of the joints, especially the knee, wrist and elbow, as well as rotator cuff tears or damage from a shoulder dislocation.

If you’ve had unexplained joint pain, an arthrogram could be the test that leads to an accurate diagnosis.

EXPERT MRI: We Are Accepting Major Health Insurance Plans

BELLFLOWER, Cal.
ExpertMRI is pleased to announce from November 1, 2019, we have started taking major insurance providers.
Currently, we are accepting insurance plans from these insurance providers.

Health Insurance Provider List

  • Careworks (Rockport)
  • Conserve Care, Inc.
  • Corvel Corporation
  • Coventry
  • Department of Labor
  • Homelink
  • Medicare
  • MTI – MedComp USA
  • OneCall
  • Orchid
  •  Transparent Health Marketplace, LLC
  •  Payers Direct
  •  VES Veterans Evaluation Services

The announcement of “accepting major health insurance plans” is a source of patient and healthcare provider assurance to access diagnostic imaging protocols without having to worry about medical bills. However, it is the responsibility of patients to connect with their insurance carrier for further verification of benefits and coverage.

Connect with the ExpertMRI Team to know more about the plan or ask further questions in regards to the recent announcement. Call 877.MRI.8888 or email at info@expertmri.com

About ExpertMRI

ExpertMRI is the leading network of Advance and New MRI Technologies in California – and Experts of Brain, Neck, Spine, Orthopedic, and Litigation Imaging. Located conveniently throughout California – ExpertMRI boasts of 17 Locations.

ExpertMRI diagnostic Imaging Network is also a foremost resource of diverse Front Open, Upright Multi-positional MRI devices with state-of-the-art MRI equipment including High-Field (3T & 1.5T), designed to deliver comfortable, Zero-Radiation Imaging Experience to patients and accommodates patients of all ages, weight and with distinctive diagnostic imaging requirements.

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