Can I Get an MRI at Urgent Care?

Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as an MRI, is a harmless medical imaging technique that utilizes high-powered magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal workings of the body. This includes the organs, the nervous system, the skeletal system, and tissues.
 
MRIs are used to help doctors identify and diagnose a disease or injury. They can also be beneficial in monitoring how well a treatment plan is working regarding a pre-existing condition.
 
This type of imagining can be done on different parts of your body and can help doctors identify a wide variety of conditions such as:
 
• Damaged or blocked blood vessels
• Brain injuries
• Tumors
• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke
• Eye problems
• Inner ear problems
• Heart-related conditions and diseases
• Structural problems
• Arthritis
• Bone infections
• Joint damage
• Back, neck, and spine problems 
 
Specialized types of MRIs are also available that map brain activity. These are known as functional MRIs (fMRI), and they are used to look at how blood flows throughout your brain when performing certain tasks. These are useful when identifying cerebral areas that may be affected by brain injuries, strokes, or conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

An MRI is a non-invasive method of examining organs, tissues, nerves, and the skeletal system.
 
By lying inside these tube-shaped devices, doctors can produce 3D images of the body that can then be viewed from many different angles. These high-resolution images help healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat a wide variety of problems. It also allows for an in-depth analysis of any affected areas and is useful in ruling out certain conditions.

Your physician will provide you with a requisition for an MRI when more detail is needed to either diagnose a problem or to help narrow down the possibilities of what could be causing your symptoms. They are most often ordered when the doctor suspects that something may be going on with your brain, spine, tissues, or bones.
 
Keep in mind that an MRI is typically only ordered after other modes of imaging, such as X-Rays and ultrasounds, haven’t come back with conclusive results.
 
The wait time to get in for an MRI can be lengthy so it’s always best to book early or get on the waiting list as soon as possible. Your family physician or medical practitioner will be able to assist you in doing this.

The vast majority of urgent care centers do not offer MRIs. They are far more likely to offer other forms of diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms. If you require a certain type of imaging, it’s always best to contact your urgent care center ahead of time to see if they offer what you’re looking for. This information is also usually available on their website under the ‘services’ tab.
 
Urgent care centers can issue you requisitions for MRIs if they believe one would be beneficial. However, if the MRI machine is not on site, you’ll have to find transport to a facility that does.
 
At North Tex MedCare Clinic, our radiology department offers a host of imaging options, including MRIs. They offer an easily accessible outpatient walk-in service from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm, Monday to Friday.
 
Please contact one of our three convenient locations for more information. Or, if you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can do so online through their main website. Their team of medical professionals is happy to help you back on your way to health! We serve patients from Allen TX, Fort Worth TX, San Antonio TX, Addison TX, Plano TX, Frisco TX, Terrell Hills TX, Carrollton TX, Richardson TX, China Grove TX, Farmers Branch TX, Hebron TX, Forest Hill TX, Leon Valley TX, Fairview TX, Parker TX, Lucas TX and BEYOND.