Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Before Your Appointment During Your Appointment After Your Appointment

Whether you’ve received a referral for an MRI or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about an MRI—from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward. 

What is an MRI?

An MRI scan uses a combination of a large magnet, radio waves, and computer technology to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. MRI does not use radiation. 

Some MRI scans use contrast (dye) to help highlight specific areas. The dye may be swallowed, injected, or both.   

Before Your Appointment

There are several easy ways to schedule your exam, choose the option that works best for you.  

SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM

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Schedule Online

If you're a Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) patient, you may receive a Connect message or email with a scheduling link.

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Request Online

Not a WCM patient?Request an appointment to schedule by securely uploading your prescription.

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Call Us Directly

Call 212-746-6000.
Mon-Fri: 8AM to 7PM ET
Sat-Sun: 9AM to 5PM ET

Our Locations that Offer MRI

  • Weill Greenberg Center (Upper East Side)
  • David H. Koch Center (Upper East Side)
  • East 55th Street
  • The Spiral at Hudson Yards
  • Upper West Side
  • Lower Manhattan
  • Long Island City 

Complete Your Exam Forms Easily

Log in to Weill Cornell Connect to complete your safety forms ahead of time using eCheck-In. It’s quick and helps save you time on the day of your appointment. 

Don’t have an account? Join today!

Preparing for Your Exam

MRI machines use powerful magnets, so it’s very important to ensure the exam is safe for you. When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:  

  • You have any type of electrical, mechanical, or surgical implant inside your body. 
  • You have claustrophobia. 
  • You may be pregnant. 
  • You have an allergy to contrast dye. 
  • You have kidney disease (especially if on dialysis). 
  • You are diabetic. 
  • You need an interpreter in your language. 

FAQ

What should I wear to my MRI appointment?

To ensure your safety during the MRI, you will be asked to change into a gown. Since the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, it’s important to avoid any hidden metal in your clothing, as it could interfere with the scan or pose a safety risk.  

You will need to remove any jewelry, watches, hairpins, and/or metal objects before your MRI scan. We recommend leaving your jewelry at home; however, combination lockers are available to securely store your belongings. 

Do I need to fast before my MRI exam?

Depending on the type of exam you are having, you may need to fast before your scan and/or adjust the use of certain medications. Please login to our patient portal, Weill Cornell Connect, for detailed prep information specific to you and your exam.   

What should I bring with me on the day of my MRI appointment?

  • A copy of your prescription if you have it. You can also upload your prescription before your exam here.
  • Your insurance card.
  • A list of your current medications.
  • Any prior imaging that has been done at a different facility. 

What can I expect on the day of my MRI appointment?

  • Check-In and Patient Verification: Your safety is our priority—we’ll verify your information when you check-in. 
  • Changing: We’ll ask you to change into a gown. 
  • Contrast (if needed): 
    • IV contrast: A nurse or technologist will place an IV before your scan and remove immediately after the exam. 
    • Oral contrast: Some scans of the abdomen and pelvis require oral contrast. If needed, you will drink the contrast over the course of 1 hour and then be scanned. 

How can I successfully complete an MRI if I am claustrophobic?

If you experience claustrophobia or anxiety, we offer several comfort measures to help you successfully complete your MRI exam, including: 

  • Wide-bore MRI scanners for more space and ventilation 
  • Pre-exam tours so you can see the scanner before your exam day 
  • Cinemavision goggles to watch your favorite movie or show during your scan 
  • Music if that helps to sooth and relax you 
  • Comfort items like a blanket and eye mask   

If you’re interested in these options, feel free to ask for more information when scheduling your appointment or when you arrive for your visit.

During Your Appointment

How is an MRI performed?

  • You will lie still on an MRI table that slides into the large, circular opening of the scanning machine. 
  • As the scan begins, you may hear clicking and banging noises while the images are being captured. Hearing protection will be supplied during all MRIs. 
  • Your technologist will be able to see and communicate with you throughout the entire process to ensure you're comfortable.
  • At certain points during the scan, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath to help capture clear images. 

After the Scan is Completed

The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings. Our staff will assist you with check-out and help answer any questions you may have. 

After Your Appointment

Aftercare

  • If you received IV or oral contrast during your exam, you will be instructed to drink 10 glasses of fluids within 24 hours to help flush the contrast out of your system.
  • You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
  • While uncommon, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, please contact us at (646) 962-7057.

Imaging Review

Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:

  • Abdominal
  • Breast
  • Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
  • Molecular
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
  • Pediatrics

Receiving Your Results

Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.

Sharing Your Results

All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.

For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.

Understanding Your Results

Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have. 

If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.  

For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.  

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Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian

(212) 746-6000