Ask Your Doctor to Schedule Your Medical Imaging at The Radiology Clinic.
Compassionate Staff
The Radiology Clinic's caring staff recognizes that diagnostic testing can cause apprehension and uneasiness. Our technologists will take the time to explain exactly what you can expect, and someone is always available to assist you with questions or concerns.
Convenience
We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Easily accessible from McFarland Boulevard, we are located just north of the Black Warrior River and ample free parking provides easy access to the clinic.
Depth of Experience
Our board-certified radiologists work with trained technologists to provide a compassionate, expert imaging experience. Radiologists are physicians who have received 4 to 6 years of advanced training after completing their medical degrees. Radiology technologists, who work closely with radiologists, receive 2 to 4 years of training in radiologic technology.
We are kicking off the new year with a new way to provide you with information about The Radiology Clinic and the many studies we do here. At The Radiology Clinic, we strive for not only high quality imaging and a great diagnosis, but also making sure our patients are comfortable here and feel good about the exam we are doing and the results we are providing. Keeping that in mind, every month we will feature an exam and explain what it is, what actually happens during it, and why it is so beneficial. We will also feature one of our radiologists each month so you can meet the doctors that provide your results.
What is a MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to provide precise detail of the internal organs, body tissues and associated conditions. It is one of the safest and most comfortable imaging tests as MRIs have no radiation exposure associated with them. It makes use of natural forces and has no known harmful effects. The MRI machine creates a magnetic field, sends radio waves through your body, and then measures the response with technology. This creates a picture of the inside of your body that is much clearer than can be obtained with most other methods. This allows your doctor to receive the best possible information so treatment can be more effective.
I’ve heard that a MRI can feel claustrophobic, especially for larger people or children. Is that correct?
Some patients feel claustrophobic in standard MRI scanners. If you are one of those patients or think you may be, we have another option for you. We have a 3.0T SIGNA Premier Wide Bore Magnet. The opening is much larger than other scanners and most patients do not experience issues inside it.
What Actually Happens During A MRI?
MRIs are not painful, but you will hear a loud noise during the exam. This occurs when the pictures are being taken. It is much like the clicking noise you hear when taking pictures, only this camera is much larger! You will be offered earplugs for your comfort. Although it will be noisy, a MRI exam is completely painless. The most important thing is that you stay still. Much like if you move while a regular picture is being taken, MRI results will come out blurry if you move during the exam and you may have to repeat it. The exam usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, and some people even fall asleep during the exam. When getting a MRI, if you ever feel uncomfortable you will be able to communicate with a technologist via an intercom. Depending on your exam, you may receive an injection. The injection is called “contrast” and allows for greater visibility of some parts of the body. This is normal and safe. Because of the strong magnetic field during the exam, you will be interviewed to check for any metal objects such as jewelry, hearing aids, pacemakers, implants, etc.
How Do I Schedule A MRI?
Your doctor has to order a MRI for you, but you can ask that it be scheduled at The Radiology Clinic. We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. If you would like for your exam to be in our Open MRI machine, make sure you let your doctor know. In most cases, you can stick with your normal routine before and after a MRI exam. You can eat and drink normally, work, and be active (unless you are injured!) and take your normal medications. However, there may be some circumstances in which you will receive specific instructions to follow before the exam from your doctor.
Meet Dr. Jason R. Bearden - One of Our Radiologists
