What actually happens, in order.
No surprises, no jargon. Here's how a scan goes from your doctor writing the order to a report landing back on their desk — and what you need to do at each step.
- 01
The order comes in
Your doctor faxes it to (888) 663-9778 or emails info@originmri.com. You can also bring a paper order in yourself.
- 02
We call you
We confirm what the exam needs, answer your questions, and agree a location and time.
- 03
Safety screening
Questions about implants, metal, surgeries and pregnancy. Answer carefully — this is the step that keeps you safe.
- 04
The scan
Anywhere from a few minutes to about 45, depending on the exam. You hold a call button throughout.
- 05
Results to your doctor
A radiologist reads the images and sends a report to whoever ordered the scan.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your insurance card
- Your doctor's order, if you have a paper copy
- A list of your current medications
- Your implant card, if you have any implanted device
- Prior imaging on disc, if you have it and it's relevant
What to leave at home
- Jewellery, watches and piercings
- Clothing with zippers, snaps, underwire or metallic thread
- Hair pins, hair ties with metal, and wigs with metal clips
- Anything valuable you'd rather not put in a locker
How to prepare, by exam
MRI
Eat and take your medications as usual unless we tell you otherwise. Wear metal-free clothing; we'll provide a gown if it's simpler. Allow 20 to 45 minutes for the scan itself depending on the body part and whether contrast is used. Full detail on the MRI page, or read about our open MRI.
CT scan
If contrast is ordered you'll usually be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand, and some exams need an oral contrast drink that requires arriving earlier. We'll give you exact instructions when we confirm. Full detail on the CT page.
X-ray
Nothing to prepare. Wear something without metal near the area being imaged and expect to be in and out in 10 to 15 minutes. Full detail on the X-ray page.
Safety screening
Before any MRI you'll complete a screening form. The magnet is always on, so this isn't paperwork for its own sake. Tell us in advance — not at check-in — if you have:
- A pacemaker, defibrillator or implanted loop recorder
- An aneurysm clip, coil or shunt
- A cochlear implant or other implanted hearing device
- A neurostimulator, insulin pump or medication pump
- Older vascular stents, filters or heart valves
- Any history of metal fragments in your eyes, from grinding or welding
- Shrapnel, bullets or other retained metal
Most joint replacements, plates, screws, and dental work are compatible, but we still need to know they're there. If you have an implant card, bring it — it names the exact device, which is what we need.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell us before you're scheduled. MRI without contrast is generally considered safe in pregnancy; CT and X-ray use radiation and your doctor may prefer to postpone or choose a different exam.
Mild sedation, on site
Some people already know that lying still for half an hour is going to be hard — because of claustrophobia, because of pain, or because of plain nerves. We can provide mild sedation at our locations to help with that, so a scan that might otherwise be abandoned can be finished in a single visit.
All medication is provided solely at the clinical discretion of our medical provider following an in-person health screening. It is not available on request alone, and it is not something we can commit to in advance. The screening happens here, and the decision rests with the provider.
If you think you'll need it
- Tell us when you book, so we can schedule enough time for the screening.
- Bring a complete list of your current medications, including anything over the counter.
- Tell us about allergies and any conditions you are being treated for.
- Tell us if you are pregnant, might be, or are breastfeeding.
- Do not take anything on your own before you arrive.
You cannot drive after taking sedation. Arrange for someone to drive you home before your appointment. We can't release you to drive yourself, and an appointment will have to be rescheduled if you arrive without a ride. Plan on the rest of the day being a quiet one.
This is mild sedation only. If deeper sedation or general anesthesia has been recommended for your exam, that has to be done somewhere equipped for it — call (832) 982-0845 and we'll point you in the right direction.
Getting your results
A radiologist reads your images and sends a report to the doctor who ordered the scan. They're the ones who will explain what it means in the context of your care, so results come from their office rather than from us. Ask about current turnaround when you schedule.
You're entitled to a copy of your own images and report — ask at the front desk or call us afterwards and we'll arrange it.
Accessibility and support
Tell us when you book if you use a wheelchair, need assistance transferring to the table, need an interpreter, or have any other requirement. It's much easier to plan for in advance than to solve on the day.
Build your prep list.
Pick your exam and we'll show exactly what to do before you come in. Your appointment confirmation call always wins if it says something different.
Questions we get most
I panicked in a closed MRI before. Will this be different?
Physically, yes — the sides are open, so nothing surrounds your head and you can see out of the machine in both directions. Tell us about the previous attempt when you call so we can plan for it: extra time, someone at the table with you, and breaks between sequences.
Will I fit?
Open systems don't have a fixed tunnel to squeeze into, which is why they suit larger patients. There are still table limits that vary by scanner, so call with your height and weight and we'll confirm the right location before you make the trip.
Can my husband, wife or parent stay in the room?
Usually, yes — as long as they pass the same metal screening you do and there's no contraindication. Let us know when you book so we can screen them ahead of time instead of at the door.
How long will I be there?
An MRI is generally 20 to 45 minutes depending on the body part and whether contrast is ordered. A CT is usually under 15 minutes and an X-ray is quicker still. Plan on arriving about 15 minutes early for paperwork.
Still have a question?
Call and ask. It's usually faster than reading, and we'd rather you arrive knowing what to expect.