An MRI examination will be requested when detailed imaging is required to visualise and assess internal organs, blood vessels, bones, joints and other tissues. When combined with the clinical examination, an MRI diagnostic scan will allow a medical team to arrive at a likely diagnosis and guide subsequent investigations or treatments to provide reassurance and monitor progress.

To have an MRI scan you must have an MRI referral to accompany your scan image.  This is essential. A professional MUST be in charge and accept responsibility for your care. This ensures you receive the correct treatment and care. Should something appear on the scan that requires further treatment or further scanning a professional must be in charge of onwards referral.

You can be referred into Clinic M and Clinic MSK by your healthcare professional; physiotherapist, GP, Chiropractor or Osteopath. We do not do full body imaging or brain imaging.

You can self refer. Self referral to the clinic will require one of our in-house doctors to take responsibility for your care and provide the suitable referral. All scans must be signed off by a GMC registered professional. The Radiographer is not responsible for your referral and is unable to perform the scan without the appropriate referral in place.

Once a referral has been completed and submitted to the clinic an appointment will be scheduled for a scan. You will receive an email with a patient safety questionnaire for you to complete. If a referral has been rejected your referring clinician will be notified and asked to resubmit with further information to ascertain the need for scanning.

It is very important to complete the safety questionnaire truthfully and in its entirety. There are a few special circumstances whereby a person might not be suitable for scanning, such as cardiac pacemakers or prosthetic joints so; it is important that the questionnaire is completed prior to attendance at the clinic. If you are unable to complete the electronic form, or you would rather complete one in person at the clinic, that is not a problem, just let us know.

You will be asked to pay for the scan prior to attendance at the clinic. Cancellation Policy and Terms and Conditions apply.

When you attend the clinic for your appointment, you will be screened again by our on staff Radiographer to ensure safe practice.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the scan. There is a locker for personal belongings.

You’ll lie face up for most exams on the MRI scanning bed.

MRI scans are painless, but some people find it uncomfortable to lie still and in the same position for more than 30 minutes. We provide cushions and support to allow this to be made easier and more comfortable for you.

The MRI is an open scanner making it much less claustrophobic and noisy than traditional closed bore scanners. The environment is comfortable and pleasant with music playing to facilitate relaxation. You can be accompanied by a supportive family member or friend.

As the scan begins, you’ll hear the equipment making a variety of knocking and clicking sounds while it takes images. Each series of sounds may last for several minutes.

It is very important that you stay still during the exam to ensure the best quality of images.

The MRI radiographer or operator will be able to see you and they can talk to you at all times. An Intercom system allows two way communication while you are inside the scanner. You will also have a call button in your hand that you can push to let the staff know if you are having problems or concerns.

Depending on what area you are having scanned, the entire exam can take anywhere from 30 to 50 mins to complete.

You will be told when the scan is complete and you are safe to move around. On completion of the scan you will be escorted back to the changing room.

You can then leave the building without attending reception.

Your scan is digitally sent to a team of Radiologists following GDPR protection of data and FOI. Your scan is digitally sent to a team of Radiologists following GDPR protection of data and FOI. They will provide a report on our scan in a minimum time frame of 72 hours but the scans take up to 10 days to report depending on complexity and availability of Radiologists.

The scan and the report is sent back to the referring clinician to help you both understand the clinical data and informs the collaboration of a treatment plan.

The scan is stored on the system for 3 years.

To keep you safe, we must confirm MRI suitability before we can book you in.
Please complete the MRI Safety Checklist.docx  prior to contacting the clinic so we can assess whether an MRI scan is appropriate for you.

If you would like to book, please call reception to arrange an MRI Referral Appointment.

During your call we’ll ask if you have a referral. If you do, please email it to questions@clinicmmedical.co.uk.