I've been to this location entirely too often, always for an MRI. That's not on my list of top 10 fun activities, but when it's got to be done, this is a good place to do it.
This location is right off I35, northbound in Corinth. The parking lot is pretty roomy for all the offices that are there and it's very easy to get in, and then back out to either the access road or the bridge.
This particular office has a waiting room that can probably seat about 10 people, though, at most, I've only ever seen two other people waiting at the same time. They are always showing home improvement shows on their tv and they have the typical stack of magazines.
Paper work is very quick and the wait is usually pretty short. They seem very organized with how they schedule their techs and separate out their resources.
You are pulled back and taken to one of their rooms to undress, leave your bag, etc. While some places have a community room for changing and lockers that may or may not fit your purse, you get the room to yourself here. These rooms are large enough to be comfortable and you can be ensured they stay locked, since you keep the key.
They have you change into scrubs, but only what is needed, based on what is being imaged. The scrubs are pretty comfortable though, so no complaints here. They must use a great fabric softener because I've been at other facilities where uncomfortable, scratchy and over-starched scrubs are the norm.
The techs are always patient and helpful in their description of what counts as metal in your clothing or jewelry. They escort you back to the room, explain what will happen and sometimes talk to you throughout the process. I've always found all the techs to be very compassionate, they clearly know that this can sometimes be a worrisome process, depending on what sent you there.
All of my scans have been upper body, so in all cases I was fully in the machine. They talk to you through the headphones if you get fidgety, to check how you're doing or to tell you how much longer it will be, which is nice.
I find it unbearably loud in there, but I am prone to migraines, and sound is one of those pesky factors that can escalate them. The techs always give you headphones- that's how they communicate with you. The very first time, they forgot to patch music through, and I realized on subsequent visits that the music really makes a difference in easing the volume and intensity of the cacophony.
I suggest you ask for music if it's not mentioned before you get on the table. I also suggest you request something you'll like to listen to loud, but not something you are tempted to tap your foot to so you don't stay in there longer re-scanning blurry images. However, it is nice to know that they are verifying the clarity of images before they finish, and you don't risk having to schedule a return visit.
Human nature will probably tempt you to ask how everything looks, especially if it's your first time. I've never met someone who had a CT or MRI, who didn't try to get the techs to give them a diagnosis at least once. They run the machines only, they are not your doctor and they cannot diagnose you so don't take it personally when they can't provide you with the answer you are looking for. Yes, that includes asking if everything looks normal. :)
If there are no complications, you should be in and out of the scan in 20-30 minutes. I don't think I've ever spent more than 40 minutes in the building, and that includes my time in the waiting room. I wouldn't do it on my lunch break though, I would probably get fidgety wondering about my time crunch and make the process last longer. This shouldn't be an issue for most people though since they have long hours, so you can go in early or late.
I've never had a single issue with insurance covering these scans, however, there are several different imaging offices out there and your insurance may not cover them all. The staff is very competent, but I would suggest you contact your insurance directly to verify you are going to the correct facility.
I talk to my insurance company all the time, so this was not an issue for me on my first visit and there were no changes to my insurance since. Unless my coverage changes, I will continue to come here if more scans are needed in the future. I am sure they will understand if I say that I hope I don't have to see them for a very long time though! :) read more