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Breast MRI in Rochester

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging exam that provides highly detailed images of the breast. It uses powerful magnetic field and radio waves – not radiation – to evaluate the breast tissue and help detect abnormalities that may not be visible on other imaging tests.

A breast MRI appointment typically takes about one hour, with the actual scan time taking approximately 15 minutes. Before the exam, you may eat, drink, and take medications as normal.

Breast MRI is a safe procedure for most patients when standard MRI safety guidelines are followed. Before your appointment, a member of our MRI team will contact you to review your medical history, discuss important safety information, and answer any questions you may have.

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  • Have a known mutation in a breast-cancer predisposition gene

  • Have a first degree relative such as a parent, sibling, or child with a mutation in a breast-cancer predisposition gene but have not had genetic testing themselves

  • Have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of greater than or equal to 20% according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history

Missed or canceled MRI appointments with less than 24-hour notice: $200 fee charged.

If more than two appointments are missed or canceled without prior notice to our office in a two-year period, we reserve the right not to schedule any further appointments. Terms subject to change without prior notice.

Please review the following checklist prior to your exam:

Please review the following checklist prior to your exam:

  • If you think you may be claustrophobic, ask your doctor to prescribe medication prior to the exam. If you do receive medication, bring someone with you to drive you home. 
  • No metal is allowed in the MRI exam room. Safety pins, straight pins, metal hair pins and all jewelry must be removed before entering the room. 
  • If your occupational background includes metal work such as welding or grinding, please be sure to tell the MRI staff prior to the exam. This may require you to have an orbital x-ray prior to your MRI appointment to ensure foreign bodies are identified. 
  • You may not be eligible for an MRI exam if you have any of the following: cerebral aneurysm clips, certain heart valves, cochlear implants, metal filings in the eye, or a pacemaker. 
  • BREAST Implants and MRI: Breast MRI is sometimes used to image silicone breast implants for a suspected rupture. If you have a concern regarding your breast implants and are being scheduled for an MRI to assess the integrity of the implants, it is important that you tell the MRI staff approximately how many years you’ve had them. Typically implant integrity studies do not require IV contrast injection. 

Exam Preparation:

  • Hydrate well prior to your appointment as we need to place an IV.
  • You will be lying on your stomach for 15-20 minutes.  Contact the office if this will be difficult for you.
  • If you think you may be claustrophobic, ask your doctor to prescribe medication prior to the exam.  You must have a driver take you to and from your appointment.
  • You will be given MRI-safe scrub pants to wear during the exam.
  • No metal is allowed: safety, straight and hair pins, along with any jewelry must be removed.
  • If your occupation includes metal work, please inform the office prior to your appointment as additional tests may be required.
  • You cannot have the exam if you have any of the following:
    • Cerebral aneurysm clips
    • Certain heart valves
    • Cochlear implants
    • Pacemaker
    • Metal eye filings

Breast MRI requires that you lie flat on your stomach on a padded table with your breasts positioned within specially designed openings. The table will then move into the magnet for the exam.  

During the exam, you will hear a series of tapping or muffled thumping sounds as images are being acquired. The most important thing you can do is to remain as still as possible throughout the exam to ensure the highest quality images. Breast MRI exams require an injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent to highlight areas of potential concern within the breast. Before the exam, an intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a vein in your arm so that the contrast can be administered.  

Please let us know if you:

  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast or any other contrast agent
  • Have renal (kidney} disease or impaired kidney function
  • Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • Have any implanted medical devices or metal in your body, such as a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, or certain types of implants

Please note, insurance coverage varies by plan, and each insurance company has its own medical necessity criteria. We encourage you to check with  your individual insurance provider to determine your coverage and eligibility for breast MRI.  

If prior authorization or additional documentation is needed, our MRI team at EWBC is here to help. We can work with you and your healthcare provider to provide the information needed to support the approval process whenever possible. 

ACR Gold Seal of Accreditation – Breast MRI
EWBC holds the ACR Gold Seal of Accreditation in Breast MRI. To earn it, our personnel qualifications, equipment, quality assurance, and quality control procedures underwent a rigorous review by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists. When you see the ACR Gold Seal, you can be confident you’re in a facility that meets national standards for imaging quality and safety.