In order to be scanned on our 3T MRI, you will first need to obtain a script from your doctor or urologist. This should be given to you on request since a 3T MRI is a valid and important part of your treatment plan, particularly prior to any biopsy. The best option is to download the following script here and present it for signing. It contains all of the information that is needed. The alternative is for your physician to give you a script from their own pad.

If you don’t have a primary care physician or urologist, please call and we can refer you to a local physician or urologist in Sarasota that can write a script for you.

When you are given a script, you may be advised to have the scan done in a hospital or at another imaging facility. IMPORTANT – please note that you have the right to select any imaging facility (despite the recommended facility put on your script) and Partners Imaging Centers will accept your doctors or urologist script no matter what state you reside in or who it is written out to.

For patients residing outside of the USA, please call our office and we can put you in touch with a selected local urologist that will be able to assist you obtain a script.

The next step is to decide how to pay for the scan. The options here are using your medical insurance (you will normally have to cover your insurance co-pay and some charges not covered by insurance) or you can pay for the scan on your credit/debit card or by cash (self-pay). If you are in a position of financial hardship, Partners will assist with a special low rate for you on request.

Insurance

Partners Imaging Centers accepts insurance plans from a large number of providers. For the current list, please click . If your insurance is not listed, please contact us as we are always setting up new agreements.

Self Pay

Please call for our self-pay rate or our financial hardship rate.

How to schedule your MRI

Now that you have your script and worked out your payment method, all that you need to do is to call us on (941) 951-2100. Our friendly receptionists will note your contact information and offer you a range of dates and times that meets with your schedule. Our 3T MRI scans from 8.00am through to the evening, Monday through Friday.

Arriving for your scan at Partners Imaging Centers

When you arrive at our center, please see the staff at the main reception. They will review the script your physician or urologist has ordered and also note whether a biopsy is planned. You will need to fill in some paperwork and then you can make yourself comfortable in our seated waiting areas. Try to arrive approximately 20 minutes before your scheduled scan time so that you will have time to complete your paperwork. If you are visiting with a patient, you may wait in the main reception area.

To save time, you can complete your paperwork prior to arriving by clicking on the links and downloading the forms. You will need a PDF reader to open the files.

1) Patient Registration Form
2) Assignment of Benefits
3) MRI Screening Form

Technician Greeting

The technician that will be performing your scan will greet you in the reception area. A number of questions will be asked and then you will be directed to one of our private changing rooms. For your convenience, we provide lockers to secure any valuables during your test. You may be asked to change into a gown to prevent interference of metal fasteners or snaps in your clothing. Please inform us if you have any medical implants such as a pacemakers etc.

Your technician will bring you to the scanner and position you correctly on the table and make sure you are as comfortable as possible with some pillows. Your scan will then commence. Please allow up to an hour for the scan to be completed.

During the exam you will hear loud repeating knocking. Headphones are provided so that you can to listen to light music during your scan. If conscious sedation is ordered by your physician, please call us for special instructions. Our technologist will monitor and support you throughout the exam via an intercom.

After your scan

Once your scan is complete, your technician will show you back to the changing rooms and give you your locker key so that you can dress again. You are then welcome to leave our center.

Your Report

Your scan will be interpreted into a report (usually same day) by Dr Goldberg. This report will then be sent to your physician or urologist. You would then meet with your physician / urologist to discuss the report findings.

Key images of your prostate will be included in the report and these images are available on a web portal accessible to your physician / urologist. If a prostate biopsy is recommended and you would like this to be performed on the Biojet 4D Prostate Targeted Biopsy System (recommended), we can provide you with contact information of urologists currently using this system. Dr Goldberg will also provide contoured images of your prostate with any regions of interest identified. This contouring is designed to fuse with an ultrasound image of your prostate making a targeted biopsy possible.