MRI Lab Testing in USA
You have decided to go for an MRI scan. Although this procedure is painless and relatively safe, you are probably wondering if it is the right choice for you. It is important to understand that this procedure can be expensive, which may be why many people decide to put off the appointment. Luckily, there are some organizations in USA that work to make healthcare more affordable for USAis. One such organization is Transparent Hands.
MRI is a non-invasive procedure
With the advancement of technology, there are many mind-blowing diagnostic solutions available for the healthcare industry. MRI lab testing in USA is one such example. It produces highly detailed sketches of organs and tissues. However, the procedure is not without its costs. Depending on the patient, the cost of MRI in USA can be as high as $1,000 USD. Nevertheless, this is a minimal price to pay for the benefits that it offers.
Before having an MRI, pregnant women should let their doctors know. Magnetic fields can harm the fetus. Therefore, they must inform their doctors whether they are pregnant or lactating. Patients who are breast-feeding should also inform the technologist if they are suffering from any heart or liver condition. These medical conditions will limit the contrast agents that can be used during the exam.
It is painless
You can find a certified MRI laboratory in USA in a variety of locations. Most labs use Philips or GE magnets and are fully equipped to perform a range of cardio-vascular and angiographic procedures. IDC's MRI lab is particularly adept at performing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. This technique uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. The pictures created are crucial for assessing a person's heart function and anatomy. These MRI studies enable doctors to diagnose and treat medical conditions by analyzing the heart anatomy and function.
The MRI machine itself is a large donut with a table attached to the top. A patient is asked to lie on the table, which slides into an opening at the top of the doughnut-shaped machine. A lab assistant helps the patient lie still, and explains the MRI procedure. When the table is inserted into the machine, only the parts of the body that need to be scanned are entered.
It is safe
MRI lab testing in USA is considered safe by doctors. The first MRI machine in USA was installed at the Liquat National H-spitali. MRI scanners are now widely available in USA, with 19 NIRI scanners scattered around the cities of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The MRI machines are equipped with radio waves and powerful magnetic fields, which produce detailed pictures of internal organs and structures. These images help doctors analyze medical conditions and determine the appropriate treatment.
The MRI technology has become more accessible in USA because of the growth of the healthcare sector. The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is USD2100, which is 17 times less than that of the USA. It has a large proportion of neuro-imaging facilities in urban areas, but lacks the quality required by the international standards. The healthcare system in USA has many challenges, but there is no need to despair - the country's MRI labs are safe.
It can be difficult
While MRI lab testing in USA is not particularly difficult, accessing one is not always easy. Patients are forced to travel to private laboratories to receive their MRI scans. At Holy Family Hospital (HFH), patients have to wait for seven days before the MRI machine can be repaired. That's not good enough for patients who need to undergo spinal or brain surgery. Meanwhile, patients at HFH must pay a whopping Rs2,500 for the MRI scan. The HFH purchased its MRI machine from a German firm in 2001. However, when it arrived, it had several flaws. The HFH's MRI machine is still not fully functional and patients have to travel for up to ten hours to get it back.
The MRI test is often expensive, and doctors don't want to pay that much for the test. It's important to remember that the MRI in USA is a scan, not a CT scan, and the hospital administration will do their best to deal with the influx of patients while still providing high-quality care. While obtaining a real MRI is difficult in USA, the benefits of a high-quality MRI in a private laboratory are considerable.
It can take longer
Currently, the only publicly funded MRI lab in USA is the Holy Family Hospital (HFH) which has inoperative MRI equipment. It needs a massive amount of money to be fully functional, so patients must avail of private lab services. MRI tests are needed for various surgical procedures such as spinal, abdominal, and brain surgeries. The machine was installed by the Punjab government in 2001, but broke down on July 9 last year.
It can be expensive
For patients undergoing MRI tests, the cost can be prohibitive. The Holy Family Hospital (HFH) has inoperative MRI equipment. The hospital needs a massive sum to make the machine functional. In the meantime, patients are forced to pay private laboratories to obtain these tests but must consult medical specialist. Patients who undergo spinal and brain surgeries will need MRI tests. The government installed the HFH machine in 2001. Unfortunately, the machine broke down on July 9 of last year.
The cost of an MRI can be as high as $3,500. The process itself can take 15 minutes to an hour. Some hospitals also administer a mild sedative, called Diprivan. Diprivan can run upwards of $125 to $400. The cost of the MRI can vary widely from one facility to another, even in the same city. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of the test.