About your MRI appointment
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Confirm your appointment

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives us time to take information and answer your questions. We make every effort to confirm each appointment, but if you have not heard from us, or in the event you need to reschedule your visit, please call us at (413) 582-2430 if your appointment is in Northampton, or call (413) 256-0676 253-8062 if your appointment is in Amherst. Please call at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment.

Appointments not confirmed may be cancelled and given to emergency patients.

What to bring with you

Please bring your X-rays, CT scans or other material your doctor has given you to bring, as well as your insurance information. You can also bring a CD or mp3 player to listen to during the scan, but this is not compatible for some types of scans.

Wear comfortable clothing, such as a sweat suit without metal fastenings. Since belts, zippers and even thread in clothing may contain metal that will disturb MRI signals, we may ask you to change into a hospital gown. A friend or family member is welcome to accompany you, but your companion must also be metal-free.

What not to bring

Please leave metallic objects such as jewelry, watches and coins at home. The magnet can also erase the magnetic coding on your credit cards. Lockers with keys are available to secure your wallet and other personal belongings.

You may be surprised to learn that many cosmetics contain metallic substances. For that reason, please avoid using any make-up the day of the appointment.

About you: What we need to know

A few people cannot receive an MRI or may need special arrangements. Any of the following objects or conditions may interfere with your MRI. Please call the MRI Center immediately if you:

  • have a cardiac pacemaker
  • have a surgical clip, or any other metallic implant
  • have suffered a shrapnel wound
  • have any metallic chips or splinters in the eye
  • are pregnant or think you might be
  • weigh more than 300 pounds
  • wear a transdermal medication patch
  • suffer from claustrophobia