FAQ

The gradient magnetic field is the main source of acoustic noise associated with an MRI procedure. This noise is produced by the rapid alterations of currents within the gradient coils. These currents, in the presence of the strong static magnetic field of the MRI system, produce significant (Lorentz) forces that act upon the gradient coils. Acoustic noise, loud tapping and knocking, are produced when the forces cause motion or vibration of the gradient coils as they impact against their mountings which, in turn, flex and vibrate.

At Mountainview, our new MRI is 90% more quiet then other MRI machines on the market. It was built with a special sound-dampening material and makes for a much more comfortable experience for our patients.

Many times your clothing or objects on your clothing may block the areas of interest your technologist is trying to capture in order for our radiologists to get a clear picture to interpret. In MRI, we must remove any magnetic objects to insure they don’t become projectile during the exam or damaged from the magnetic field.

Most exams will be read, interpreted, and diagnosed within 24 hours. After your exam, your technologist sends your images to the radiologists reading room, where one of our three onsite radiologists interprets the results and faxes or emails them to your doctor. The minute your report is posted it is also available online in our physician portal. This is secure site that your physician can access with their own login and password information to review your report results as well as your images.

While most reports are complete within 24 hours, there are a few exams that may take longer. Sometimes the radiologist will use previous images taken to compare to your current exam in order to check for changes or improvements. If your exam was completed at another facility, we request those images. We always try to get those images ahead of time or same day if possible, but sometimes other facilities can’t get them ready within that timeframe.  We have a member of our staff that goes out each day to pick up and deliver cds and films to varying offices.

Sometimes your referring doctor will order a call report. Call reports are reserved for emergency cases only where the referring physician needs an immediate answer. If your exam is a call report, the radiologist will interpret your exam as soon as it is complete and get a verbal diagnosis to your physician.  Exams are usually read in the order that they are performed.

Most exams performed only require you to lay down and relax while your images are taken. Some exams, may require an injection of a material called contrast which means a needle stick for an IV to be placed and possibly some blood to be taken to check .

For other exams such as biopsies and arthrograms, we use a local anesthetic to numb the area and most patients report feeling absolutely fine during the process.

One other exam that some patients can find uncomfortable is the mammogram. Because it compresses the breast tissue it can be painful for women with sensitive or tender breasts. We recommend if at all possible to have your mammogram 7-10 days after the first day of your period and to avoid caffeine for a few days before your mammogram. These are some factors that may cause tenderness in your breasts and make your exam more uncomfortable.

Chances are your doctor will give you a copy of our order form to bring with you to your exam. Your order form lists your information, the clinical history of why you are coming in for an exam, and then the exam will be circled under different headings. An example of this would be under the line that says “CT”, the word “Head” might be circled. This would mean you are having a CT of your head. Another way to find out is to ask your referring doctor what he or she has scheduled or ordered you to have. Feel free to call us. We are more than happy to tell you about what you are scheduled for and your technologist will explain your procedure to you.

There are certain exams that may require you to refrain from food or drink for a certain amount of time. The typical patient’s intestines are about 7 meters long. When you eat or drink, the waste and gas product must pass all the way through in order for the radiologist to see clearly to the source of what it causing your problem. We want the best possible pictures at all times.

We are very lucky to be located right off of Hwy 123 (Sandifer Blvd) near Miracle Circle. Many locals find us once we tell them we are in between Athens Restaurant and Captain D’s. There is a big blue sign with our logo you can see from the road.

If you click on the Home tab, under Hours and Location tab (at the bottom right of the screen), you will be able to type in your address and get step by step driving instructions.

Xray exams are the only exams we don’t usually make appointments for. Most people that get xrays don’t know they are getting one until right before they need one, so it’s hard to keep a schedule. Our technologists work as quickly as they can to make sure your images come out detailed and include all anatomy of interest. Patients don't normally wait long, if at all, when they come in.