MRI scan one body part

MRI scan prices and locations

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue and bone in any part of the body. The patient lies inside the MRI scanner – a large tube – while the scan takes place.

MRI scanners produce detailed images of specific body parts. These high-quality images may be useful in diagnosing illness and medical conditions or in helping your doctor plan appropriate treatment for you.

How does an MRI work?

An MRI scan works by using powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field that focuses the atoms within the specific body part being scanned. The MRI machine then releases radio frequency pulses that jostle and push the atoms around. As these atoms return to their original alignment, (at different speeds) they release signals that MRI technology translates into imagery.

A word from our expert

“Self-referral MRI scans put you in control of your health journey. Instead of waiting months through traditional referral pathways, you can access advanced diagnostic imaging within days, getting the answers you need when you need them most.”

Kerri Leaf, Clinical Lead at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire

What are MRI scans used for?

MRI scans are used to diagnose conditions associated with your bones, organs or joints. They can be used to diagnose and investigate the following:

• Torn ligaments
• Soft tissue problems
• Nerve issues
• Inflammation
• Brain and spinal cord issues
• Investigation of pelvic pain in women.

Who can have an MRI?

With an MRI machine’s ability to capture detailed images of soft tissues, joints, and internal organs, an MRI scan may be suitable for the following people:

• patients with ongoing conditions that require monitoring
• patients with unexplained pain or symptoms that need investigation
• doctors needing more detailed information about a patient’s specific condition that can’t be obtained via X-rays or CT scans.

An MRI scan might not be suitable for the following reasons:

• patients with implanted devices (e.g. cochlear implants, and pacemakers) or metallic foreign bodies
• pregnant women due to the unknown side effects of magnetic fields on unborn babies.

Getting an MRI scan – step-by-step

Accessing an MRI scan with Practice Plus Group is different depending on whether you’re a private or NHS patient. The information below will help guide you through the process.

Referrals

NHS patients seeking an MRI scan need a referral form. This form contains the patient’s symptoms and reasons for needing a scan. It is filled out by a referring clinician who submits the form to a consultant radiologist. The information is then used to help with the final report of your scan images. Private patients are often able to self-refer for their MRI scan by calling us on 0330 173 1313 or submitting an online enquiry form.

Preparing for your MRI

In the days and weeks leading up to your MRI scan, you may be sent a safety questionnaire. Please take some time to complete it and bring it with you to your scan. If you’ve answered any questions ‘Yes’ you should contact the booking team to notify them. Don’t worry if you haven’t been sent a safety questionnaire, we’ll have one waiting for you when you arrive for your scan.

On the day of your scan you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don’t contain any metal (e.g. zips, buttons etc) and remove any piercings. If you wear hearing aids, these must be removed before the scan.

What happens during the MRI?

During an MRI scan, the patient lies on a bed, which slowly slides into the MRI machine. The radiographer will then leave the room and the scan will begin.

Please be aware the scanner is very noisy and you’ll be given earplugs or headphones to wear which will help dampen the noise. If, at any time, you need to speak to the radiographer, you’ll also be given a buzzer to squeeze.

Depending on the body part being scanned, patients may be asked to hold their breath for short periods of time. This is to reduce motion blur in the images being captured.

How long does an MRI scan take?

An MRI scan on one body part typically takes around 10-20 minutes to complete.

After your MRI

Once the scan has finished, the machine will quieten down and the table with the patient on will move out of the scanner. You won’t need to ask a friend to drive you home.

Getting MRI scan results

Scan results are read by a radiologist who will then send them back to your referrer. This is when the results are discussed with you. If you’re a private patient, results take around three working days. Both you and the referrer will receive a copy of your report (unless you self-referred).

MRI waiting times

As with referrals, MRI waiting times vary depending on how you’re accessing healthcare. For NHS patients, the waiting time is likely to be longer than private. The latest waiting times for diagnostic imaging are available on the My Planned Care website which is updated weekly.

(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)

If you’re a private patient with Practice Plus Group, you’ll typically have your MRI scan between one-two weeks after your enquiry. Please be aware this vary from hospital-to-hospital For example, MRI scans at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire are available within two days of enquiry.

Patient testimonial

“The best part of going private was the speed, the reassurance, and knowing I was not risking long-term damage to my hip by waiting.”

Megan Riley, MRI scan patient at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire

The risks and benefits of having an MRI

While MRI scans are generally considered to be very safe, there are some risks to specific types of patients. Those with implanted devices (e.g. pacemakers and implanted hearing aids) are not suitable for an MRI and won’t be scanned at Practice Plus Group. Pregnant women should also ideally avoid having an MRI scan due to the unknown side effects of magnetic fields on unborn babies.

Occasionally, a contrast agent is needed to produce better images. In rare cases, patients may react negatively but allergic reactions are typically mild. Side effects may include a rash, itching, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

Among the benefits of MRI scans are:

• No radiation
• High-quality images
• Ability to scan almost any body part.

Private MRI costs

The average cost of a private MRI scan in the UK varies depending on location and type of scan machine needed, but is anywhere between £200-£1,500.

With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, the prices for MRI scans are as follows:

Ways to pay

The following are ways you can pay for your private MRI scan:

• pay for yourself – this can be done in one lump sum payment or through a series of repayments via our financing partner, Chrysalis
• as an insured patient – Before you can proceed, you will need to check with your private health insurance provider to confirm whether MRI scans are covered under your policy.

Where to get a private MRI scan near you

Private MRI scans are available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:

• Birmingham
• Emersons Green
• Shepton Mallet
• Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire
• Ilford
• Plymouth
• Barlborough
• Southampton

How to access MRI scans with Practice Plus Group

While we strive to provide our patients with as many investigative resources as possible, unfortunately, MRI scans aren’t available at all our locations. Some require referral from a Practice Plus Group consultant, while others can be accessed directly. The table below illustrates how and where you can access our MRI scans.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

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