MRI scans

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. As the name suggests, it uses a set of powerful magnets to deliver the images. The magnetic field produced by the scanner causes atoms within the body to temporarily align themselves in different patterns. As they do so, the changes are picked up by the machine’s coil detectors and turned into incredibly detailed pictures of organs, bones and soft tissues.

How safe are MRIs?

MRIs are safe and completely painless. Scientists have done extensive research into the potential impacts of magnetic fields and radio waves on the human body. But, as the NHS puts it, “no evidence has been found to suggest there’s a risk, which means MRI scans are one of the safest medical procedures available.”

Why might I need an MRI scan for my knee?

Because MRI scans draw their data from molecular changes at the cellular level, they can give us a much fuller picture of the different types of tissues in your knee. This makes them very useful for viewing and diagnosing a wider range of problems inside the joint. This includes things like soft tissue damage, ligament tears, swellings, inflammation and infections.

What would stop me from having an MRI?

Although MRIs are suitable for most patients, there are certain situations where they may not be recommended. For instance, you may not be able to have an MRI if you’ve been fitted with a metal pacemaker or other types of implants such as artificial joints, surgical clips and staples, or internal insulin pump. Doctors sometimes recommend against having an MRI in the early stages of pregnancy (because MRI scans can slightly raise the body’s temperature). You can find more detail about who can and can’t have MRIs on the NHS website: see Who can have one. The radiologists will review your suitability before you have the scan.

How do I book my MRI?

To have an MRI scan, you need a referral. This normally takes place when you come in for an assessment with us. If Mr Bailey decides that you need an MRI, he’ll fill out a referral form. You can take the form to the hospital radiology department to make your booking right away. Alternatively, you can just leave it with us when you leave; we'll forward it to the radiologists, who will call you to arrange a date for your scan.

How long will I have to wait for my scan?

If you see us within normal office hours, it’s sometimes possible to have the scan shortly after your consultation; it depends how busy the scanners are at the time of your visit. Just take your referral from to the hospital radiology department and ask them for availability. If you’re having an evening consultation, the radiologists will contact you to arrange a suitable date for your MRI. It’s usually possible to have one within a week of your consultation, but sometimes much sooner.

I already have some scans. Can I bring them to my appointment with Mr Bailey?

Yes. If you recently had an MRI through a GP or other medical professional, we can arrange to have the images forwarded to us before your appointment with Mr Bailey. When you contact us to book a consultation, just let us know that you have some recent imaging for Mr Bailey to review. It normally takes about two days for the images to reach us.

Where will I have my MRI scan?

Your MRI scan will be at one of our two clinic locations – either the Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester or the Nuffield Wessex Hospital in Chandler’s Ford, depending on which is most convenient for you. When you arrive, head to the main reception and look for Imaging and Radiology. At Sarum Road, it’s right alongside the main reception area. At the Wessex Hospital, turn left at the main reception and head to the next desk down.

What will I need to bring with me?

We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes to your scan – either trousers that you can pull up above the knee, a pair of shorts, or a skirt or dress. Because MRI uses strong magnets, you will need to make sure there are no metal elements on or in your clothes, such as zips, buttons, coins and keys. Keep in mind, though, that you may be asked to wear a medical gown during your MRI. In this case, the Radiology team will give you one to wear when you arrive. You’ll also need to remove other objects that contain metal, such as jewellery, watches and hearing aids. You can find more detail about preparing for an MRI scan at the Nuffield website: see How should I prepare for an MRI?

What happens during the MRI scan?

The Radiology team will ask you to lie down on the scanning table. They will make sure you’re comfortable and check your legs are positioned correctly for the scan. Because MRI scanners emit pulsing / knocking sounds when they operate, you’ll also receive some earplugs or headphones to soften the noise while the scan takes place. When you’re ready, the radiologist will slide the table into the scanner. It’s important to stay as still as possible to avoid blurring the images. You can talk to the radiologist through the machine’s intercom at any time if you need to.

How much will my MRI scan cost?

If you don’t have health insurance, or if your insurance policy won’t cover the imaging (see below), you can choose to pay for your MRI scan privately. The cost varies depending on the type of scans you need. For the latest pricing, call Circle Health Sarum Road on 01962 656157 or the Nuffield Wessex on 02380 266377. You can also view guide prices on the Nuffield and Circle Health Group websites: for the Nuffield, see Treatment prices at Wessex Hospital in Hampshire and, for Circle, see The cost of private MRI scanning.

Will my health insurance cover my MRI scan?

It’s possible but you’ll need to check with your insurance provider first. When you arrive at the Radiology department for your MRI, please bring your insurance registration documents and a completed and signed claim form (or proof of pre-authorisation by your insurer). You can find more information about private medical insurance on the hospital websites: click here for Sarum Road and here for the Nuffield Wessex.

When will I get my MRI results?

Your MRI results should be available within about a week of your scan. The radiologist will check them, contact you to say they’re ready, and make them available for Mr Bailey to review. If you’ve arranged to have your MRI the same day as your consultation, however, we should be able to see the images almost immediately.