Search

Diagnostic Imaging

MRI Scans

The only independent clinic in the area with a quad of MRI machines, means patients will receive the imaging specialized to their specific requirements. Four different MRI rooms with night and weekend hours allows for scheduling flexibility and fast results.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radiowaves and a strong magnetic field rather than xrays to produce detailed images of body tissues and organs. The magnetic field “excites” and then “relaxes” protons in the body, emitting radio signals. The radio signals are processed by a computer to form an image.

Request Appointment
Our benefits:
Significantly lower costs
Weekend hours available
Accessible, central location
Top quality radiologists
Same-day results
Appointments and walk-ins
A drawing of a woman
Women's Imaging
Learn More

Breast MRI Scans

Breast MRIs provide detailed imaging that enhances the exploration of abnormalities found in previous screenings. You can expect a caring and supportive staff throughout the process, who will guide you on your journey to health. We are an ACR-designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center, which ensures that you will receive the high-quality care that you deserve.

Learn More

Breast MRI FAQ's

What should I do before my MRI?
Patients are encouraged to call their insurance company to confirm the service will be covered at 100% as a preventative service or subject to their deductible and/or coinsurance. Insurance representatives cannot advise on specific diagnosis codes to ensure coverage, nor can they guarantee how a claim will be paid until received and processed.
Can the physician change, add, or delete my diagnosis so that my Breast MRI is covered as a preventative screening?
No, strict government and insurance company documentation and coding guidelines prevent a physician from altering a chart or bill for coverage determination. This is considered insurance fraud and punishable with fines and/or jail time.
Can I appeal?
If you have questions about a claim's payment, please contact your insurance company. Again, please remember that we cannot modify and resubmit a claim to change how benefits are applied.
What about the new law that passed?
Legislation has been introduced to expand coverage and access to breast imaging, particularly for high-risk patients. This does not affect us as a rendering facility but instead focuses on insurance coverage and how benefits are written. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company to confirm if their plan includes expanded coverage.
Will my risk score change?
Yes, your risk score may change annually. This could mean that based on your contributing factors, you may reach a point where your risk score is no longer above the general standard of 20% or greater.
Learn More

Common MRI Exams

MRI Abdomen

MRI’s of the abdomen are commonly performed to detect issues in the liver, gallbladder, digestive tract, and other organs. It can also be used to evaluate the state of blood vessels and organs prior to a surgery or transplant.

MRI Pelvis

MRI’s of the pelvis are commonly performed to detect issues in the bladder, prostate, reproductive organs, lymph nodes, rectum, anus and pelvic bones.

MRI Breast

MRI’s of the breast are many times administered after an initial mammogram to further explore abnormalities. Breast MRI’s are ideal for patients with “dense” breast tissue, because MRI images show more detail allowing radiologists to see more than with a standard x-ray image.

MR-Guided Biopsy

Using an MRI machine to guide a biopsy is very efficient because the clear images help radiologists to accurately sample the abnormality.

MRI Extremities

MRI is frequently used to scan major joints in the body. Including shoulders, wrists, knees and hips. MRI can locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling, and bleeding in the tissues around joints and bones. The images can see tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles. MRI can also show arthritis and tumors involving bones and joints.

MRI Spine

MRI is frequently used to determine the causes of back pain, leg pain and numbness. The exam can detect a bulging, degenerated or herniated intervertebral disk. MRI can be done to help plan surgeries of the spine. MRI performed after surgery will show whether infection or post-op scarring is present. Patients that have had surgery of the spine may require an injection of contrast material.

MRI Brain

MRI of the brain is useful in detecting brain tumors, strokes and certain disorders such as multiple sclerosis. MRI can also detect abnormalities of the eyes or inner ear. Most exams of the brain will require an injection of contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle is placed into a vein of the hand or arm for the injection.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels with or without the use of contrast material. MRA can detect blocking or narrowing of arteries, and can also detect aneurysms, an enlarged artery. Commonly preformed MRA Exams include brain, carotids (neck) and renal arteries.

MR Enterography

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography is used to diagnose inflammation, bleeding, obstructions and other problems in the small intestine. Patients ingest a barium contrast medium before their scan that highlights certain parts of the digestive tract in the images.

MRI Machine Types

3T High-Definition MRI

AMI is the only outpatient center in Lincoln equipped with the most advanced MRI that provides highly detailed images, faster. The large bore design is made for patient comfort and is ideal for and larger patients.

HERO 3T

Advanced Medical Imaging is the first location in the entire midwest to install a HERO 3T with the latest technology. Scan times are reduced by 50% using Air Recon DL.

1.5T Standard MRI

The most common of MRI machines is used the most often and has many benefits. There is more signal than the 1T open MRI providing a faster and better image. Less signal than the 3T MRI means less noise and heat than the stronger machine.

1T High-field Open MRI

The only high-field Open MRI in Lincoln, allows for three times the amount of patient space than cylindrical MRIs. The open design perfect for claustrophobic and bariatric patients.

Procedure Process

The magnetic field used in an MRI will pull on certain metal objects and so it is important that you notify your technologist of any that may be implanted into your body. Clothing should be free of metal. You will also be asked to remove watches, hearing aids, hairpins, jewelry, removable dental work, glasses, body piercings or any other metal in the region of the body being scanned. Scrubs are provided to change into with private dressing rooms and secured lockers for valuables.

The technologist will ask whether you have a pacemaker, brain aneurysm clips, artificial limbs or any metal screws or plates. A patient with a pacemaker cannot have an MRI. In most cases, metal used in orthopedic surgery pose no risk during an MRI.

Some scans require you to receive an injection of gadolinium, a contrast medium, which makes the images easier to read. If this is the case, it will be discussed with you before the procedure.

The technologist will help you onto the MRI table. The table will then slide you into the MRI machine. You are alone in the room during the scan, but you can talk to the staff at any time through an intercom. A call button is also provided if at any time you feel very claustrophobic or unwell.

The machine makes loud knocking noises as the pictures are being taken. You are provided headphones with a choice of music. Sometimes machines circulate air around the patient during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath while some images are being taken. Usually the entire process will take an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you are having multiple exams allow extra time for each region being scanned.

You are able to return to normal activities as soon as the scan is complete. The radiologist’s interpretation will then be available to the referring physician 24 hours after the exam or via the AMI patient portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions about our services, please contact our friendly staff.

Call Us
What should I wear to my MRI?

Loose-fitting clothes with no metal is required. Don't worry if you don't have those things. AMI will provide you with scrub pants and a gown to wear. We will also provide a locker for your clothes and other items, that only you can access.

What does an MRI sound like?

Although gentle on your body, the MRI machine is loud. We will give you earplugs and headphones to help block out the noise. And you can listen to music from our collection if you choose. The headphones also allow the technologist to communicate with you.

What if I am claustrophobic and don’t like small spaces?

No worries! At AMI we have three MRI machines specifically tailored for claustrophobic patients.

Where quality meets care
Led by the Best

Dedicated team

Our Board Certified Radiologists have a wide-variety of subspecialties and are on call 24 hours a day to ensure the best care is always available, when patients need it most.

"Absolutely the most efficient and professional staff of any medical office I've been to."
Jill, Patient
"Excellent care, very efficient courteous people."
Dan, Patient
"I absolutely love AMI - they are always so kind with any type of procedure you're having to do and they stay on schedule."
Nancy, Patient
24/7
Faster Results
Same day results on many exams. Open 7 days a week.
4-10x
Less Cost
Exams at an independent imaging center is typically much less expensive than the same exam at a hospital.

"The staff was so fast, professional and very accommodating. I would recommend AMI to anyone!"

Brian, Patient