Frequently Asked Questions
Need an MRI? Start here. SpecialT MRI can help you understand your options, receive or request an order, check insurance or cash pricing, complete MRI safety review, and schedule your exam.
I already have an MRI order. What should I do?
Ask your clinician to fax the signed order, clinical notes, and insurance information to 636-333-1343. After we receive the required information, our team will review the exam, insurance requirements, MRI safety needs, and appointment options.
My clinician recommended an MRI but has not sent the order. Can you help?
Yes. With your permission, SpecialT MRI can contact the clinician’s office and request the order and supporting records. The clinician decides whether the MRI is medically appropriate and selects the final exam and protocol.
I think I may need an MRI, but I do not have an order. What should I do?
Contact SpecialT MRI or complete the MRI request form. Tell us the body area, symptoms or reason for the exam, relevant history, and your clinician’s information. We can explain the next steps and help route your request for clinical review. We do not diagnose conditions or prescribe diagnostic MRI exams.
Can SpecialT MRI write my diagnostic MRI order?
No. SpecialT MRI is the imaging facility. A diagnostic MRI order must come from an appropriately licensed clinician. We can collect the needed information and help coordinate the request.
Can I choose where I receive my MRI?
In many cases, yes. You may ask the ordering office to send your order to SpecialT MRI. Your insurance network, prior authorization, clinical needs, and any implant or safety requirements may affect where the exam can be performed.
Can I transfer an order that was sent to a hospital or another imaging center?
Yes. Call SpecialT MRI at 636-333-1391. We can tell you what records are needed and help your clinician’s office redirect the order. If insurance authorization already names another facility, the authorization may need to be updated before scheduling.
Scheduling, Insurance, and Cost
How quickly can I schedule?
SpecialT MRI offers fast outpatient access and may have same-day or next-day openings. Timing depends on receiving a complete order, insurance authorization when required, and MRI safety clearance. Call us for the earliest available appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
SpecialT MRI accepts multiple insurance plans. Network status and coverage vary by plan and exam. Our team can verify benefits and check whether prior authorization is required before the appointment.
How much will I owe?
Your cost depends on the exam, insurance network, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and whether contrast is needed. Insurance benefit verification provides an estimate and does not guarantee payment. Ask our team to estimate your out-of-pocket cost before scheduling. By choosing SpecialT MRI instead of a hospital-based facility, you may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Do you offer cash-pay pricing?
Yes. SpecialT MRI offers transparent self-pay options. The price depends on the exam and protocol. Call 636-333-1391 for the current price after the requested exam is confirmed.
Can I use an HSA or FSA?
Eligible MRI expenses can often be paid with HSA or FSA funds. Your plan administrator determines eligibility. Ask our team for a receipt or other payment documentation you may need.
About MRI & Your Visit
What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency energy, and computer processing to create detailed images of the body. MRI does not use ionizing radiation. A radiologist reviews diagnostic MRI images and sends a report to the ordering clinician.
What are the benefits of MRI?
MRI provides detailed views of many soft tissues, organs, joints, the brain, spine, blood vessels, and heart. The most appropriate imaging test depends on the clinical question. Your clinician decides whether MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, or another test best fits your needs.
What happens during an MRI?
An MRI technologist positions you on the scanner table and places an imaging coil near the body area being examined. The table moves into the scanner. You will hear tapping or knocking sounds and must remain still during each image sequence. You can communicate with the technologist throughout the exam.
How long does an MRI take?
Exam time varies by body area and protocol. Many routine exams take about 20 to 45 minutes. Cardiac, breast, prostate, abdominal, multi-area, or contrast exams may take longer. Our scheduling team can provide an estimate for your exam.
Will the MRI hurt?
MRI does not usually cause pain. You may feel discomfort from staying in one position. Tell the technologist if you have pain, anxiety, or difficulty remaining still so we can plan for your comfort and image quality.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal when possible. You may be asked to change into facility-provided clothing. Remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, removable dental items, phones, keys, cards, and other metallic or electronic items before entering the MRI area.
Can I eat, drink, and take my medicine before MRI?
Preparation depends on the exam. Some studies require fasting or other instructions. Continue routine medication unless your clinician or SpecialT MRI tells you otherwise. Follow the instructions provided when your appointment is confirmed.
Can someone come with me?
A support person may accompany you to the center. Access to the MRI area is restricted, and anyone entering a controlled MRI area must complete safety screening. If you receive medication for anxiety or sedation, arrange a responsible adult driver and follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions.
Contrast and Results
Will I need MRI contrast?
Some MRI exams use a gadolinium-based contrast agent to answer the clinical question. Other exams do not. The order, medical history, kidney status, and radiologist-approved protocol determine whether contrast is used.
What should I report before receiving contrast?
Tell us about kidney disease, dialysis, pregnancy, a prior reaction to MRI contrast, and any other relevant medical condition. Our team will review whether laboratory results or added clearance are needed.
When will my results be ready?
A radiologist interprets diagnostic MRI images and sends the report to the ordering clinician. Turnaround time depends on the exam and clinical priority. Your clinician should discuss the findings and next steps with you.
Can I receive my images or report?
Yes. Ask our team about access through the patient portal or another available delivery method. You may also request that images and reports be sent to an authorized clinician or facility.
Safety, Implants & Comfort
Is MRI safe?
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, but the magnetic and radiofrequency environment requires strict safety screening. Tell us about every implant, device, metal fragment, surgery, injury involving metal, pregnancy, medication patch, or removable device before your appointment.
Can I have an MRI with a pacemaker, ICD, or other implanted device?
Some MR Conditional pacemakers, ICDs, stimulators, pumps, and other implants may be scanned only when their exact conditions can be met. Send your implant card, device model information, and related records before scheduling. Never assume an implant is safe for MRI based only on the implant type.
What does MR Conditional mean?
MR Conditional means a specific device may be scanned only under defined conditions, such as scanner strength, body position, operating limits, and device settings. SpecialT MRI must positively identify the device and verify that all required conditions can be followed.
What if I have metal in my body or had metal removed from my eye?
Tell us before scheduling. The team may need operative records, implant information, or an x-ray to identify the object and determine MRI safety. An unknown implant or metallic foreign body may delay or prevent the exam.
What if I am pregnant or may be pregnant?
Tell the scheduling team and technologist. MRI may be used during pregnancy when the expected clinical benefit supports the exam. The ordering clinician and radiologist determine the appropriate approach. Contrast is considered separately.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Tell us when you schedule. Our Philips Ingenia Ambition 1.5T has a 70 cm wide bore and patient comfort features. We can explain the exam, discuss positioning, and allow time for comfort planning. If medication is needed, it must be prescribed by an appropriate clinician, and you will need to follow driving and safety instructions.
What is the scanner weight limit?
The scanner table supports patients up to 550 pounds, but safe positioning also depends on body dimensions, the exam, and the required coil. Call us so we can confirm whether the exam can be performed safely and produce diagnostic images.
SpecialT MRI Services
What MRI scanner does SpecialT use?
SpecialT MRI uses a Philips Ingenia Ambition 1.5T system with a 70 cm wide bore. The system includes digital imaging technology, acceleration tools, and patient comfort features. Our center focuses on MRI and personalized outpatient service.
What diagnostic MRI exams do you perform?
Services include brain and neurological MRI, spine MRI, orthopedic and musculoskeletal MRI, abdomen and pelvis MRI, liver and MRCP, chest MRI, breast MRI, prostate MRI, cardiac MRI, vascular MRA and MRV exams, and other studies supported by the clinical order and facility capabilities. Call us to confirm a specific exam.
Do you perform cardiac MRI?
Yes. SpecialT MRI is ACR-accredited for cardiac MRI. Available studies include cardiac structure and function imaging, ejection fraction measurement, flow assessment, and advanced tissue characterization when included in the ordered protocol. Some cardiac exams use contrast and some do not.
Can cardiac MRI evaluate heart muscle scar or myocarditis?
Cardiac MRI can help clinicians assess heart structure, function, edema, and patterns of tissue injury. Contrast-enhanced imaging is commonly used when evaluating scar or fibrosis. The ordering clinician and interpreting physician determine whether cardiac MRI is appropriate and which protocol is needed.
Do you perform breast MRI?
Yes. SpecialT MRI performs breast MRI, including contrast-enhanced breast MRI when ordered and noncontrast breast implant integrity imaging when appropriate. DynaCAD post-processing supports the breast MRI workflow. Breast MRI complements, but does not automatically replace, mammography or ultrasound.
Do you perform prostate MRI?
Yes. SpecialT MRI performs prostate MRI with DynaCAD post-processing. Prostate MRI may help evaluate the gland after an elevated PSA or other clinical concern and may support biopsy or treatment planning. The final exam and use of contrast follow the clinical order and protocol.
Do you perform whole-body MRI screening?
Yes. Whole-body screening is available through Ezra/Function. Screening is intended for people without a specific diagnostic concern and is different from a diagnostic MRI ordered to evaluate symptoms or a known condition. Screening may find unexpected abnormalities and may lead to follow-up testing. Visit Ezra.com or call 888-402-3972 for Ezra scheduling and billing questions.
Do screening MRI exams require an order?
Some self-pay screening services may be available without a physician order. Diagnostic MRI exams require an appropriate clinical order. Call SpecialT MRI so we can confirm which pathway applies to the exam you want.
Location and Contact
Where is SpecialT MRI?
SpecialT MRI is located at 1823 Smizer Station Road, Fenton, Missouri 63026, serving patients across the St. Louis region.
How do I contact SpecialT MRI?
| Phone: 636-333-1391 | Text: 636-764-5138 | Fax: 636-333-1343 | Email: info@specialtmri.com |
Office hours listed on the website are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
Ready to begin?
Upload your MRI order, ask us to request the order from your clinician, check insurance or cash pricing, or call 636-333-1391.