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If your child has been scheduled for a radiology examination we realize this may be your child’s first visit to a diagnostic imaging center and you both may be apprehensive. We hope this information will help prepare you and your child so you will both have a more relaxed visit to our center.
What to expect
Plan your day so you are not rushed at the center. Since our goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible we may take a little extra time reassuring him or her.
Due to the cool temperatures of the scan rooms, please dress your child in warm and comfortable clothing with no metal snaps or metal buttons.
When you arrive at our center, the receptionist will take your insurance information and review any paperwork your doctor has given you about this exam. The receptionist will then inform the technologist or nurse that you have arrived for the exam.
The people:
Technologist
The person your child will probably spend the most time with is the technologist. A radiology technologist is someone who is trained and licensed to perform imaging procedures safely.
The technologist will explain the exam and ask some questions regarding your child’s medical condition. At this time, please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Nurse
Our nurses are R.N.s and very experienced in pediatric care. If your child requires sedation, a catheter, or an intravenous line, a nurse will usually be involved.
We are very fortunate to have full-time nurses on staff at Crown MR, Medical Center and Stone Oak. Many of our pediatric patients have chronic conditions which require follow-up imaging. Our nurses become part of the child’s long-term care team and develop trust which helps to ease any anxiety the child or parent may feel.
Radiologist
Your child may not see the radiologist. In most cases the technologist and nurse communicate with the doctor on your child’s behalf. A radiologist is a board certified physician who has specialized training in performing and interpreting diagnostic exams. The radiologist is the only one who can provide the results of the exam. When the radiologist has finished interpreting the study a written report will be sent to your child's doctor.
The Tests:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The MRI machine uses a magnetic field to take very detailed images of the inside of your child’s body. There is no radiation involved.
Your child will lay down on the exam table and the technologist will position a device called a coil over the body part to be examined.
The machine may make loud knocking noises. Please reassure your child the machine is harmless. You may stay in the room with your child, unless you are pregnant or have some other condition preventing you from being near the magnetic field.
During the examination the child will need to lie very still. The examination may take from 15-60 minutes depending on the type of scanner and the type of exam being performed. Because it is difficult to lie still so long sedation may be needed to ensure your child a successful exam.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans can be used to examine almost any part of the body. Your child will lie down on the exam table which will move gently through a donut shaped opening while it takes the picture.
Some CT examinations require a pre-exam preparation. This prep is a liquid. The scheduler will explain the prep instructions when you call to make the appointment.
Our CT scanners are very fast. This is one reason why your doctor may have chosen to use our scanner. Your child will have a better exam because the test is over sooner than with traditional scanners, so there is less chance that the child may move and blur the picture.
Very often we will not even need to sedate your child because our CT scanners are so quick. This results in a more pleasant experience for both the child and parent. Home Appointments Radiologists Insurance Contact Us Procedures Locations About Us Site Map Careers Terms & Conditions |
