MRI
What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool that captures detailed images of your body’s internal structures. It helps identify issues within soft tissues and can be crucial for planning specific treatments.

When you undergo an MRI at St Vincent’s Radiology, you’ll typically lie on a comfortable table that slides into a tunnel-like scanner. This state-of-the-art device uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate signals from your body. These signals are received by a radio antenna and processed by a computer to create high-resolution images.

Key benefits of MRI scans include producing precise, detailed images with the absence of x-ray radiation. The expert staff and cutting-edge technology ensure a high standard of care.

What to expect when receiving an MRI

When arriving, we require a safety questionnaire to be completed and discussed with our Nurse or Radiographer to ensure it is safe to proceed with the scan.

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove metallic objects and jewellery to ensure they do not interfere with the magnetic field and image quality. If you cannot remove your jewellery, contact our Administrative Team on 03 9231 3056 to discuss. Some precious metals can be worn in the scanner but all should be magnetically tested prior to your scan.

Throughout the examination you will be able to communicate via intercom with our experienced radiographers. It is essential to remain still throughout the scan to ensure clear images are obtained.

MRI scans typically last 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the examined area. The examination doesn’t involve radiation exposure and is generally safe for most patients. After the scan, you can resume your normal activities. Your doctor will discuss the results and any necessary next steps.

How to prepare
Bring the referral your Doctor gave to you.
Bring the referral your Doctor gave to you.
Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent's.
Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent's.
Bring your completed safety questionnaire.
Bring your completed safety questionnaire.
Inform your referring Doctor of any metal implants you may have or if you suffer from claustrophobia.
Inform your referring Doctor of any metal implants you may have or if you suffer from claustrophobia.
Withhold any prescribed sedation until after safety checks have been performed.
Withhold any prescribed sedation until after safety checks have been performed.
Remove all jewellery, body piercings and eye makeup.
Remove all jewellery, body piercings and eye makeup.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing without fastening and leave any valuables at home where possible.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing without fastening and leave any valuables at home where possible.
Bring your Medicare card, healthcare card or insurance details as applicable.
Bring your Medicare card, healthcare card or insurance details as applicable.
Let our team know if you are pregnant.
Let our team know if you are pregnant.
Accessing your results
Accessing your results

All results can be downloaded electronically by your Doctor.

Billing and Medicare
Billing and Medicare

We offer very low out-of-pocket fees that are highly competitive.

For rebatable exams, we bulk bill all pension or health care card holders and full-time tertiary students.

For any billing queries, you can contact our reception team to discuss applicable fees.

Make a Booking

Some examinations require specific preparation. Complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

Make a Booking
Getting Here

Visit us at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Building B, Basement Level, 55 Victoria Parade Fitzroy, conveniently near public transport and with free parking available.

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Basement, Building B,
55 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy VIC 3065
 
F:
03 9231 1005
We express God's love to those in need through the healing ministry of Jesus.

St Vincent’s Health Australia recognises the Traditional Owners/Custodians of the land on which its many sites are located. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and welcome all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to our place of care.

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is inclusive, affirmative, and responsive to the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, non-binary and gender diverse, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) identifying staff, consumers, patients, carers, families and chosen families and to those identifying broadly as sexually and gender diverse.

At SVMH, we focus on embodying our values of compassion, justice, integrity and excellence by actively striving for LGBTQIA+ safety and responsiveness with staff and LGBTQIA+ peoples in the care of our service.

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