Will the Emergency Room Perform MRIs?
AdventHealth Port Charlotte
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Jul 04, 2025
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
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A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a diagnostic tool doctors use to see inside the body. It uses an extremely strong magnetic field and radio waves to create an image sent to a computer so it can be printed out and stored electronically.
Since MRI scans are designed to provide high-quality, detailed images of the soft tissues within the body — such as organs, blood vessels, muscles and ligaments — they can be used by emergency rooms for diagnosing emergency health issues such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, appendicitis, head trauma and internal organ damage.
Let’s take a closer look at specific scenarios where the emergency room would order an MRI scan and what you can expect.
MRI in the Emergency Room: Is It Common?
Since the 80s, MRI scans have become a go-to onsite imaging tool for doctors to diagnose various health conditions in the body. This includes serious issues where you may need to visit the emergency room.
Since there’s normally only one MRI machine in an emergency room, ER team members will prioritize their triage system to determine who will receive emergency MRI scans first. For example, suppose you or a loved one visits the ER with a potentially life-threatening condition, such as stroke or brain injury. In that case, they will receive an MRI scan before someone with a non-life-threatening condition like a suspected tumor.
However, there are certain instances when the emergency room won’t perform an MRI. Depending on your situation and the availability of the MRI machine, your doctor may decide to use other imaging technologies, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds, to make their diagnosis.
When Does the ER Perform MRIs?
Determining if the emergency room will perform an MRI depends on your unique health needs and if an MRI scan is the best tool for a proper diagnosis.
Emergencies where you may receive an MRI scan include:
- Abdominal pain
- Aneurysm
- Appendicitis
- Bone infection
- Blood vessel issues
- Epidural abscess (infection at the top of the spine)
- Eye emergencies like optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Hip fractures
- Inner ear damage
- Joint issues
- Kidney issues, such as kidney stones or renal obstruction
- Liver failure
- Neurological problems
- Spinal cord injury or severe back pain
- Stroke
- Torn ligaments or muscles
- Traumatic brain or head injury
- Tumors
If you or a loved one suspect you’re experiencing any of these conditions, it’s important that you call 911 or visit your nearest ER.
Alternative MRI Options in the ER
In some cases, your doctor may feel that other imaging options, like CT scans, X-rays or ultrasound, may be a better fit for determining your diagnosis. Sometimes, you’ll receive an MRI scan and other diagnostic imaging if your doctor feels more information is needed regarding your condition. Let’s take a look at other medical imaging that may be used instead of, or in addition to, an MRI.
CT scans
These are used to detect abdominal or pelvis issues, head injuries, blood vessel problems like blockages and blood clots, bone fractures and tumors. They’re generally quicker and less expensive than MRIs. However, there is radiation exposure when having a CT scan.
Ultrasounds
Emergency medicine doctors use these to assess organ issues or damage in real time. Ultrasound can also be used to diagnose broken bones, monitor pregnancy and check for abdominal issues such as gallstones. They normally cost less than MRIs and CT scans but don’t offer as detailed images.
X-rays
X-ray machines assess skeletal issues like bone fractures and infections. They can also help view the lungs, heart and digestive systems and find foreign objects that may have been swallowed. X-ray machines are usually a more cost-effective diagnostic option.
Why Might an MRI Not Be Available in the ER?
Due to financial factors, not all emergency rooms have access to MRI scanners. The cost of an MRI scanner and specialized team members to run it may exceed budget restraints.
Small and rural hospitals may order an MRI scan for you at a nearby medical center or use other diagnostic imaging techniques to get you the care you need.
Your doctor may use a CT scan during emergencies because they’re faster than MRIs. An MRI can take 30 to 60 minutes, while CT scans take 10 to 15 minutes.
Also, there are certain instances where patients can’t receive an MRI or other imaging technologies because they have:
- A cardiac pacemaker
- A cochlear implant
- An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Metal body piercings or shrapnel in the body
MRI scans aren’t suitable for people who are pregnant, claustrophobic or who have a known allergy to contrast dye.
What to Expect if You Need an MRI After an ER Visit
If you’re visiting the ER and your doctor orders an MRI scan, there are a few things to know about the process, including:
- You will be directed or taken to the hospital’s MRI room, located in the radiology department.
- MRI staff will ask you brief questions regarding your medical history to check for anything that may make an MRI unsafe for you.
- Once you’re cleared for the MRI, staff will direct you to prepare for the scan by changing into a hospital gown and removing any metallic objects from your body.
- A team member will ask you to lie down on the motorized MRI table that slides you into the tube-shaped machine, and they’ll offer you earplugs or headphones as the machine can be noisy.
- If required, contrast dye will be given through an IV.
- Once the table slides into the machine, your MRI technician will ask you to lay as still as possible and may even ask you to hold your breath at certain points of the scan.
- During the scan, you can talk to the technician and ask questions if you have any concerns.
- Once the scan is complete, the MRI table will slide you out, and your technician will direct you to the area where you can get changed.
Then, the MRI scan is reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your primary care provider. Your doctor will discuss the MRI findings with you and your next steps, which could include a referral to a specialist, ordering additional imaging tests and biopsies and creating a unique treatment plan for your needs.
Your Trusted Partner in Emergency Care and Timely Diagnostics
We know that it can feel overwhelming when you or a loved one needs to visit the emergency room. But take heart: our compassionate ER teams are here to meet you with open arms and provide the compassionate care you need. Our network of ERs has access to many diagnostic tools that can help your doctor quickly identify the issue and provide the expert care you deserve.
MRIs and other diagnostic imaging are available as part of AdventHealth’s emergency room care. Contact us today if you have more questions about whether your local emergency room performs MRIs.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.adventhealth.com/blog/will-emergency-room-perform-mris
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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