MRI: FSA Eligibility
MRI: eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)What is an MRI?
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a way to get an image of internal organs and tissues by the use of magnetic fields and radio waves. An MRI is a noninvasive way to examine the internal body to get diagnoses or to see how the body is responding to certain treatments. MRIs are often used to capture multiple images of a specific area, which are then combined using a computer to generate detailed pictures (WebMD).
MRIs can be performed for a variety of reasons on a variety of body parts, such as the brain, spine, heart, blood vessels, bones, joints and other internal organs.
What can I expect when getting an MRI?
When getting an MRI, the patient will lie down on a movable table that will then slide into the open end of a long tube, which is the MRI machine. During the scan, there will be noises coming from the magnet, and earplugs may be provided.
Depending on what part of the body needs images, a contrast fluid might be injected to better see certain details internally.
What are the risks of an MRI?
Any presence of magnets in the body when getting an MRi poses a risk. Patients will be asked to take off any jewelry they have on, as well as remove any other potential hazards such as hearing aids, dentures and glasses. Those with metallic joint prostheses, artificial heart valves, an implantable heart defibrillator, a pacemaker, metal clips, cochlear implants or any metal fragments in their body may be at risk during an MRI. Tell your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant, or have kidney or liver problems as this may affect the process (Mayo Clinic).