Getting an MRI done and read in the U.S.

[Trish77]

One of the DOWN sides to our Canadian healthcare system is the amount of time we have to wait to have procedures done here.  I have a girlfriend who lost her leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident last year.  She and her fiance were hit by a drunk driver.  She's having some complications with the recovery.  Currently she's trying to learn to walk on her new prosthesis and it's not going well.  There's some sort of issue in the "stump".  And it's got nothing to do with tenacity, she's very motivated and would have been golfing and dancing by now if she had her way.

Next step for her is an MRI and then likely more surgery to repair whatever is not right inside her knee.  She has two months to wait for her MRI appointment and then there's the time to have it read and then see a surgeon and then, and then.  All these things take awhile.  She did ask some questions about getting an MRI done in the U.S. and was told that it's the time to READ the MRI that takes time.  

How long does it take to get an MRI done and read to finished report in the U.S. ?  Cost?  Overseas? Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

[eureka254]

My understanding of MRI scheduling and result notification is consistent with the timeline jd gave you above.

Initially when trying to diagnose my husband, his docs ordered an MRI, and we were given an appointment the same week, and we were told results are available within 48 to 72 hours.  (Due to imbedded metal my husband ended up doing a CT Scan, for which results were available within 24 hours.)  

Best of luck to your friend.
~eureka

[Trish77]

Thanks jd.  These two responses are a far cry from what her medical person told her she could expect if she went to the U.S. and I think it was her doctor.  I've sent these two responses on to her and will send on whatever other information gets posted.  

[jdwithhcv]

Three weeks ago my doctor ordered an MRI of my left shoulder.  It took about 5 days to get an appointment that fit my schedule.  He called me with the results 2 days later.  I don't know what it cost.  My local hospital is excellent - affiliated with Yale-New Haven - with great facilities and very little waiting, even in the ER.  We are just a short flight from Toronto.

Best of luck to your friend.
jd

[Trish77]

Thanks for that feedback.  I'll tell her.  She can at least call them and find out.  Thanks Charm.  Hope things are well with you also.

Trish

[charm27]

Hi Trish- I had an MRI done of my neck and liver few years back and from the time I had it done to the time I got the report was about 3 days.

I wish your friend well and you of course!
Take care
CHARM