An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine utilizes magnetic fields and radio signals to visualize internal body structure. There is no ionizing radiation present like you would find with CAT scans or X-Rays. There are no side effects with MRI scans.

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Q Who can get an MRI scan?

A All patients must be referred by a doctor. At this time the Comox Valley MRI is not available to the general population through the B.C. Medical Services Plan. It is covered under various private health insurance plans including WCB, ICBC, Blue Cross and others. Patients also have the option of paying for the procedure themselves.

Q What preparations must I take before a scan?

A Very little. You will need to remove any loose metal from near your body (watches, jewelry, piercings, etc) before proceeding into the scanner area. Change rooms are provided. You will also be asked if you have had any operations in the past where metal was used. For example, surgical clips, plates, screws, or pacemakers can cause problems during the scanning process.

Q Are there possible complications?

A MRI scans are painless and safe. However, serious complications could arise from movement of metal parts in your body. This is why you are asked about previous operations. In some procedures, a special contrast dye is used. In rare instances, this dye can cause an allergic reaction. This can be treated immediately. Pregnant women may be advised not to have a scan if it is not urgent, as effects of strong magnetic fields on developing babies is not known.

Q What happens after the scan?

A There are no aftereffects from an MRI scan. You can resume normal activities as soon as the scan is over. If you received a sedative before the scan, you will not be allowed to drive, so you should arrange to have someone to get you home until the effects of the sedative wear off. Your scans are read by a radiologist who will issue a report to your doctor.

Q What are private surgical centre fees?

A Doctors can only charge the MSP rate for specific surgeries. They cannot charge more by getting patients in sooner (jumping the queue). Private Surgical Centres allow doctors to assist patients who do not want to wait months for surgery or an MRI scan. Doctors bill the MSP for the performance of a surgery (same as if you were in a hospital). The Surgical Centre fee (paid by the patient) is to cover the cost of having the facility open, allowing them to get help sooner, in many cases improving quality of life dramatically. This kind of service has been available on Vancouver Island for over 20 years.

Q Who uses private clinics?

A Only about 10% of procedures at 14 private surgery centres in BC are performed for individuals who are paying out of pocket. The rest are paid for by either private insurance covering Armed Forces, RCMP, Blue Cross, insured workers, and ICBC referrals, or under contract with Regional Health Authorities for MSP covered procedures. Of the $92 billion that is spent annually on health care in Canada, $28 billion comes out of private pockets.

Q Is this the way health care works in other parts of the world?

A Canada, Cuba and North Korea are the only countries who continue to have laws stopping individuals from paying for private medical services. Countries that have had socialized medical plans for years have almost all evolved to a formula including a provision of private medical service options. These countries include England, Sweden and Germany to name a few.

Q Do you have a payment plan?

A Financing available through Medicard, a simple, fast, financing option ensuring patients do not delay treatment due to cost concerns. Medicard offers a variety of financing terms with convenient monthly payments. For more information, visit their website at www.medicard.com or contact them at info@medicard.com.