MRI
Using magnetic imaging, MRI screening creates highly-detailed 3D images of the body.
MRI creates highly detailed images of the body using a powerful magnet and radio-frequency waves.
AMI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), so that you can rest assured in our ability to provide the quality diagnostic testing you need while adhering to the highest standards to ensure your overall well-being is protected.
Types of MRIs
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of x-rays to produce detailed pictures of the human body. As the radio waves pass through the body, images are created on a computer screen for radiologists to analyze.
Depending on the type of imaging and the area being scanned, we will recommend a specific MRI machine for your unique procedure.
1.5T is ideal for scanning abdomens and chests, and has high accuracy for patients with certain implants.
3.0T imaging creates clear images of small bones and the breast, musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular systems.
Breast MRI is performed as a supplementary screening procedure alongside mammography.
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Types of Mammography
Screening mammography
Helps identify early detection of breast cancer, prior to symptoms — the point at which treatment is the most effective.
If there is cancer present, early detection can be life-saving. With 3D Digital Mammography, it is possible to detect small abnormalities much sooner than with traditional 2D scans. The smaller a tumor is when it's detected, the less likely the cancer cells will be able to spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnostic mammography
Helps investigate unusual symptoms or scan abnormalities.
If a patient has experienced symptoms such as discharge, tenderness, skin changes, or a lump, or a screening mammogram results in any abnormal findings, diagnostic mammography may be used as a follow-up. Diagnostic scans may be combined with other imaging methods for the greatest accuracy and precision. Your radiologist will help determine the best type of imaging to evaluate the area in question.
Eligibility
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Breast Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the breast area for examination under a microscope. This procedure can help to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
AMI offers an advanced localization procedure prior to surgery, radio frequency identification technology (RFID). The RFID technology uses wireless radio waves to transfer data and identify objects by “tagging” breast lesions for surgical removal.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images while a pathologist examines the biopsy. You will receive a personalized call within 72 hours of your procedure. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI is a painless, highly accurate diagnostic test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast. Breast MRI does not use radiation, but uses a dye called Gadolinium, which is absorbed by breast tissue. The speed at which breast tissue absorbs the dye allows radiologists to find breast cancer. Highly sensitive breast MRIs are recommended by experts in the following situations:
Screening Exam
- women at high risk for breast cancer
- women with dense breast tissue
- women with a history of breast cancer
- assessing breast implants
Diagnostic Exam
- determining extent of cancer after a new diagnosis of breast cancer – surgical planning
- further evaluating hard-to-assess abnormalities seen on mammography
- assessing the effectiveness of certain types of chemotherapy before surgery
For more information on Breast MRI, click here
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain a detailed picture of the soft tissue of the breast. It is a safe and painless procedure. It is often used in conjunction with a diagnostic mammogram to assist the radiologist in diagnosing breast cancer. A breast ultrasound can determine whether a mass or lump is fluid-filled or solid. It can guide breast biopsies or cyst aspirations.
Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening
Screening breast ultrasound called Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), is an annual test using ultrasound of both breasts, often in conjunction with screening mammography, to better evaluate dense breast tissue. Check with your healthcare provider to learn about your breast density and to see if you are a candidate for screening automated whole-breast ultrasound.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
SCHEDULING
Call 406-414-5201 to request one of these services.
Screening Breast MRI: Prior authorization from your insurance is required or you can select to pay out-of-pocket. Out-of-pocket exam cost: $500 OR $350 for implant evaluation.
Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening: Insurance coverage may be available, deductible would apply. If you select to pay out-of-pocket, the exam cost is $560.
What can I expect?
For your safety, we will determine if there is any metal in your body or a medical implant that would be affected by the magnet. Our highly trained staff will do everything we can to make you comfortable during your scan. All AMI MRI scanners offer wider space to lay and are less claustrophobic for most people.
You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine will make a series of tapping sounds as it acquires images. We can offer you headphones with your favorite music to help you relax during the study.
Certain MRI scans require a special contrast material, Gadolinium, to highlight specific areas and create a clearer image. If your scan requires the contrast, you may receive it through an IV.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Scheduling
MRI is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic. | Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
For your safety, we will determine if there is any metal in your body or a medical implant that would be affected by the magnet. Our highly trained staff will do everything we can to make you comfortable during your scan. All AMI MRI scanners offer wider space to lay and are less claustrophobic for most people.
You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine will make a series of tapping sounds as it acquires images. We can offer you headphones with your favorite music to help you relax during the study.
Certain MRI scans require a special contrast material, Gadolinium, to highlight specific areas and create a clearer image. If your scan requires the contrast, you may receive it through an IV.
Scheduling
MRI is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic. | Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
MRI is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic. | Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
For your safety, we will determine if there is any metal in your body or a medical implant that would be affected by the magnet. Our highly trained staff will do everything we can to make you comfortable during your scan. All AMI MRI scanners offer wider space to lay and are less claustrophobic for most people.
You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine will make a series of tapping sounds as it acquires images. We can offer you headphones with your favorite music to help you relax during the study.
Certain MRI scans require a special contrast material, Gadolinium, to highlight specific areas and create a clearer image. If your scan requires the contrast, you may receive it through an IV.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Scheduling
MRI is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic. | Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
Scheduling
MRI is offered at:
AMI Main Campus
AMI Cottonwood Clinic
Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
For your safety, we will determine if there is any metal in your body or a medical implant that would be affected by the magnet. Our highly trained staff will do everything we can to make you comfortable during your scan. All AMI MRI scanners offer wider space to lay and are less claustrophobic for most people.
You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine will make a series of tapping sounds as it acquires images. We can offer you headphones with your favorite music to help you relax during the study.
Certain MRI scans require a special contrast material, Gadolinium, to highlight specific areas and create a clearer image. If your scan requires the contrast, you may receive it through an IV.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Scheduling
MRI is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic. | Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
MRI is offered at:
AMI Main Campus
AMI Cottonwood Clinic
Call 406-414-5201 to schedule an appointment.
What to expect: during
We will take you to the comfort and privacy of our MRI suite to change into a gown and prepare for the scan. First, our ferromagnetic detector will scan your body and clothing to ensure no metal will be impacted by the magnetic field in the machine. Then, our staff will escort you to our MRI room. We may give you a contrast agent through IV or oral solution (drinking) to help add clarity to the images.
MRI exams are individualized and tailored to each patient’s needs. In the past, people with claustrophobia have sometimes been uncomfortable while in the “tube” of an MRI scanner. The “bore” in modern scanners is both bigger around and shorter, making this less of an issue for most. Our staff will care for you throughout your procedure, making every effort to ensure you are comfortable. Your scan will last about 20-60 minutes.
- You will lie on a padded table. The MRI machine has a large, central opening where the bed will pass into the machine for the scan.
- The MRI machine creates a magnetic field and directs radio waves at your body to create highly-detailed images. The field and radio waves can’t be felt, but the machine creates a tapping or thumping noise as the magnetic coils expand and contract.
- We will provide you with hearing protection and headphones.
- From providing blankets and playing relaxing music in your headphones, to talking with you throughout the procedure, we are here to provide comfort and peace of mind.
- It’s important to lie still during the scan.
- Our machines are wide-bore, which means they are not as constricted as traditional MRI machines. But if you become nervous in enclosed spaces, let us know so we can help adapt the scan to your comfort level.
- Total scan times range from 20-60 minutes.
What to expect: after
MRIs are noninvasive and painless, and generally, you can leave the imaging center immediately after your appointment with no discomfort or lasting effects. If you had an MRI with contrast, we recommend drinking ample water to help flush the dye from your system. If you received a sedative, it’s best to arrange for a ride home and avoid driving or drinking alcohol for 24 hours. Once the scan is complete, the images are reviewed and interpreted by our radiologist. The results and report from your scan will be sent to your referring provider, who will interpret the findings and create a personalized plan of action for your care.
- Typically, you can leave right away with no post-procedure restrictions.
- If you received a sedative, it’s best to arrange for a ride home.
- If you received contrast, be sure to hydrate well to help flush the dye from your system.
Free and low-cost screenings
Mammograms save lives. We want to ensure these critical screenings are accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of personal insurance coverage or income. The Bozeman Health Mammogram Project and Montana Cancer Screening Program help cover the cost of annual screenings for women who are uninsured or underinsured. Please visit their websites to learn more and apply.
Who Should Get Screened?
AMI follows the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force screening recommendations* for current or former smokers who are between the age of 50 to 80 years old, most Medicare plans cover ages 50-77, with a smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” and currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years.
Lung cancer screening is a commitment—it is not a single scan but rather a monitoring program to catch any signs of lung cancer early, at its most treatable stage. Some people will have abnormal findings on their CT scans and others will need a once-a-year CT checkup. We are here to partner with you for whatever your personal needs may be.
FAQs
Our goal is to provide the best care and support — and the answers you need to make decisions with confidence.
MRI scans are safe, posing almost no risk to the average person when imaging guidelines are followed. Our staff is highly trained on advanced MRI procedures to protect your health and safety. Because MRI machines use magnetic fields, rather than radiation, this type of imaging is generally considered one of our lowest risk procecures. However, the strong magnetic field may not be safe for people with metal implants including some medical devices, and those with metal fragments in their body due to injury. We screen patients thoroughly before scheduling your appoinment, and we also use a ferromagnetic detector immediately before your scan to ensure no metal in your body or clothing will be impacted by the magnetic field in the machine.
MRIs use magnetic fields instead of radiation, making them very safe for kids.
For some scans, we will use a contrast agent to enhance the clarity of the images. Contrast material typically contains gadolinium, a rare earth mineral that alters the magnetic properties of nearby water molecules. Because there is so much water in the body, the substance heightens the sensitivity and specificity of MRI results. Contrast materials are safe, and generally appropriate for all patients, but we will ask you questions about your specific health history prior to your appointment to be sure contrast is right for you.
Contrast material helps create clearer images of:
- Tumors and masses
- Inflammation
- Infections
- Blood vessels
- Blood supply to certain organs
Most health plans cover authorized MRI scans. However, you may still have out-of-pocket costs such as copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. MRI scans almost always require that your insurance company “pre-authorize” or pre-approve the exam before it’s completed. You should contact your insurance company for details.
Still have questions?
Contact us anytime. We would be happy to discuss any questions you might have.
406.414.5200
Still have questions?
Contact us anytime. We would be happy to discuss any questions you might have.
406.414.5200
