Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled time unless otherwise instructed. Kindly bring, or ask your physician to send, any previous films or reports related to your exam. This will allow our radiologists to provide a complete and comprehensive consultation to your physician. Please be sure to follow any special dietary or fasting instructions given by your physician in advance of your appointment. Our receptionist will greet you and introduce you to our staff, who will review your medical history. At that time the diagnostic procedure will be explained, and you will have time to ask questions you may have about the exam.

You may be asked to wear a gown during your exam. A locker will be provided for your clothing, jewelry, and personal items.

A technologist will talk with you throughout your exam. Feel free to ask questions at any time. During MRI exams, you can listen to a variety of music. Please feel free to bring along your favorite CD or cassette.

If you should have special needs please call Illini Open MRI and we will make all arrangements to see that your needs are met.


The Exam: MRI
You should not experience any unusual feelings or discomfort during your MRI exam. You will lie on a specially designed, padded table. During the exam, you will hear the equipment make a series of knocking sounds, which are normal and not harmful in any way. Certain patients will be informed and advised concerning use of intravenous (IV) contrast (sterile, dilute gad-olinnium) as part of the MRI examination. This does not require any special preperation. The exam usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

You may have a friend or relative accompany you during your MRI. After the exam, you may resume regular activity unless otherwise instructed. Results of the MRI are interpreted within 24 hours by a board-certified radiologist.

Patients with cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators and many other implanted devices CANNOT be examined with MRI.

Important Considerations

  • Wear comfortable clothes without metal trim, like a sweet-suit or shorts.
  • Wear as little makeup as possible and leave your jewelry at home, as this can affect the quality of your exam.

Advise an Illini Open MRI receptionist and your technologist if you have any of the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Aneurysm clips or brain surgery
  • Metal fragments from military or service work
  • Surgical implantation of any metal, wire, or electronic devices
  • Artifical cardiac valves
  • Have had recent surgery

Insurance Information
We accept most insurance plans.  Please call us at 217.359.8339 to see if we accept your insurance.  Please bring your insurance cards with you to your appointment.




Soteria Imaging Services
American College of Radiology