Preparing For Your Visit

Planning For Your MRI Exam

When should I arrive for my MRI exam?

Typically 15 minutes ahead of your appointment — At your appointment there will be a few final forms to fill out. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to ensure you have time to complete this paperwork.

45 minutes ahead of your appointment if your doctor has requested valium – The valium needs time to be effective.

When you schedule your appointment, our receptionist will provide you with detailed instructions on when to arrive and when your exam will start. Feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.

What do I need to bring to my MRI exam? What do I wear to my MRI exam? What about jewelry?

Please wear comfortable cotton clothing with no metal (if possible). If your clothing has metal on it, we will provide disposable tops and shorts for you to wear during your exam. Please wear minimal jewelry as it may need to be removed if it will interfere with the scanning process. We have secure lockers to store your valuables during the exam.

What happens when I get there?

Our receptionist will make sure you have reviewed and completed the necessary paperwork before your exam (see Patient Forms for the list of necessary paperwork that applies to you). Your MRI technologist will meet you in the front office and bring you back to the scanner room for your exam. Your technologist will review your screening form with you to confirm there are no safety concerns. They will also describe the process and exam, so you are fully informed with what to expect during your exam. Feel free to ask any questions as your comfort is very important to us.

What happens after my MRI exam?

Your technologist will walk you back to your changing room and will confirm whether or not you have a follow up appointment scheduled with your referring provider. If you do, your technologist will make sure all images and reports are made available to your referring provider before your scheduled follow up appointment. For routine exams your results will be provided to your referring provider within 48 hours. If an urgent (STAT) exam is needed, your referring provider will receive results within 2 hours. After your follow up appointment has been confirmed, you are free to change and leave the facility.

Do I need to take a CD with the pictures on it with me after my MRI exam?

No, you don’t need to worry about keeping track of your study. Our technology team has special software that allows your doctor to directly view your images.

Directions and Parking

Where is North Puget Sound MRI?

We are co-located with the Proliance Spine Surgeons of Puget Sound.

6808 220th Street S.W. Suite 105, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Our office is very convenient and easy to get to, located between I-5 and Highway 99, just west of the 220th Street freeway exit (#179).

Where do I park for my MRI exam?

There is lots of free parking and we also have designated parking stalls right by front door for your convenience.

Just look for the blue and white sign at the front of stalls that says, “Proliance Surgeons – MRI parking”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prepare for an MRI?

A: There are no special diet or medication requirements leading up to your MRI. We’ll just ask you to complete a metal safety checklist, change into MRI-approved attire, and remove all objects that may include metal.

Q: How long does an MRI test take?

A: Historically MRI scans could take as long as an hour. However, with our advanced scanner technology and software we can complete most exams in 30 minutes or less. Different types of tests, how many areas your doctor wants us to scan, adding contrast… will effect the length of time your MRI exam will take.

Q: What causes the MRI scanner to make noise?

A: The sounds you hear during a scan are the electrical currents rising within the wires of the MRI gradient magnet. The current within the scanners wires are opposite of the main magnet field. The stronger the magnetic field the louder gradient noise. The important thing to know is that these noises are inherent to MRI technology and completely safe.

Q: Will an MRI scan hurt?

A: No, you won’t feel a thing.

Q: What if I get claustrophobic in the MRI machine?

A: The older MRI machines were tight and like a tube. Our state-of-the-art scanner is an “open style” design. The opening is much wider, there is no “tube.” Our patients often comment on how nice their experience was with our MRI scanner compared to previous experiences with older machines. Also our MRI machine features advanced technology and software that allows for much faster scans. With our scanner most exams can be completed in 30 minutes or less.