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MRI scan

MRI scans in Kent

MRI scan

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) produces detailed images of the inside of your body without using x-rays. It’s used to diagnose and monitor disease and injury.

Self-Pay , Benenden Health , PMI , NHS
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What is an MRI scan?

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a type of diagnostic imaging which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. MRI is widely used for scans because the images are so detailed and it’s highly accurate in picking up conditions. Even small changes to an injury or disease can sometimes be detected.

We understand that having an MRI scan may be daunting, so our experienced Radiographers use a modern, wide, scanner which is more comfortable, spacious and less noisy to ensure that you have a positive experience.



How much does an MRI scan cost?

View our self-pay prices below.

Take advantage of 0% finance*** on payment plans through our trusted partner, Chrysalis, and spread the cost of your treatment. Fit your repayments into your monthly budget rather than having to find the full cost at the time of your treatment.

Procedure type
Treatment price*
Monthly cost**
Member discount
One body part
From £525
From £43.75
n/a
Two body parts
From £760
From £63.33
n/a
Three body parts
From £920
From £76.66
n/a
Four or more body parts
From £1,055
From £51.52
10%
One body part
Treatment price*
From £525
Monthly cost**
From £43.75
Member discount
n/a
Two body parts
Treatment price*
From £760
Monthly cost**
From £63.33
Member discount
n/a
Three body parts
Treatment price*
From £920
Monthly cost**
From £76.66
Member discount
n/a
Four or more body parts
Treatment price*
From £1,055
Monthly cost**
From £51.52
Member discount
10%

*Guide price

**Representative Examples:

One body part: Total amount of Credit £525.00. Total charge for credit £0. Repayable by 12 monthly payments of £43.75. Representative 0% APR. Example based upon MRI scan of one body part costing £525.00 repayable over 12 months.

Two body parts: Total amount of Credit £760.00. Total charge for credit £0. Repayable by 12 monthly payments of £63.33. Representative 0% APR. Example based upon MRI scan of two body parts costing £760.00 repayable over 12 months.

Three body parts: Total amount of Credit £920.00. Total charge for credit £0. Repayable by 12 monthly payments of £76.66. Representative 0% APR. Example based upon MRI scan of three body parts costing £920.00 repayable over 12 months.

Four or more body parts: Total amount of Credit £1,055.00. Total charge for credit £181.48. Total amount repayable £1,236.48. Repayable by 24 monthly payments of £51.52. Representative 16.9% APR. Example based upon MRI scan of four or more body parts costing £1,055.00 repayable over 24 months.

***0% is only available on selected diagnostic tests only between £350-£999. Please check with our self-pay team on 01580 363158 before applying.

Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

MRI scans explained

Emma Masters, Imaging Manager at Benenden Hospital, talks about what to expect when you come to our hospital for an MRI scan.

Video transcript

We have invested in this exciting new technology with the aim to improve your experience with us and provide timely and accurate diagnosis. Patients are referred for a wide range of reasons, and generally MRI is the best option for assessing soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as inflammation. MRI is a three-dimensional imaging tool which allows us to see the area of interest in great detail and often complements other imaging such as X-rays or CT scans.

You will be asked to complete an MRI safety questionnaire, which is designed specifically to identify any risks prior to having the MRI. For example, if you have a pacemaker, you will not be able to have your MRI at Benenden Hospital. Most implants and devices have been tested nowadays and can be safely scanned, but we need to ensure your safety is our priority. We ask you to remove all metallic jewellery and inform us in good time prior to the scan if you have had any recent surgery with metal implants. We may also ask you to change into a gown before your scan.

Our new MRI scanner is complemented by soft lighting, comforting imagery, and ceiling lights, which have all been designed to improve your experience, especially if you are feeling anxious about your MRI. Our highly experienced radiographers and assistants are here to help and make your experience with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We will provide you with hearing protection and the option to listen to some music which when coupled with the visual distractions should result in a positive experience.

We will get you comfortable lying on the table and we will provide you with some earplugs and headphones and a patient buzzer to enable you to contact us if needed. You will then enter into the MRI scanner, which is open at both ends and nice and light and airy. The Radiographer will leave the room and the scan will start. The most important thing is to remain very still at all times as movement can interfere with the image. When the scan is complete, we will be straight into the room to remove you from the scanner.

Every scan is different and tailored to your specific area of injury or concern. However, on average, our scan times now range from 15 minutes to an hour. Some scans require an injection of contrast agent which requires some preparation, but this will all be explained prior to the scan. As we are using the latest technology and advances in diagnostic imaging, we are able to minimise the time you are within the MRI scanner whilst producing very high quality diagnostic images.

Here at Benenden Hospital imaging department, we have an extremely hardworking and dedicated team who make it their aim to put you at ease from the time of booking your appointment through to the preparation and the MRI scan itself. Our MRI Radiographers are extremely welcoming and accommodating to your needs and work with you to ensure a successful scan. We look forward to welcoming you for your MRI scan at Benenden Hospital.

I have a question about having a private MRI scan

Why would I have a private MRI scan?

An MRI can be used to examine parts of the body including:

  • Bones and joints
  • Brain and spinal cord
  • Internal organs
  • Blood vessels

The results of an MRI scan help your Consultant or GP diagnose conditions and plan treatments.

There might be a waiting list for an MRI, so booking a private scan can ensure a speedier diagnosis.

Do I need a referral for an MRI scan?

To arrange an MRI scan, you’ll need a referral from a healthcare professional. This could be your own GP, through our Private GP service or from a Consultant, Physiotherapist or Osteopath.

Once we’ve received your referral, one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members will contact you as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with the appropriate department and experts.

What happens during an MRI scan?

On arrival

At your appointment, you’ll meet a Radiographer - an expert in MRI scanning. Your Radiographer will be with you through the whole process, from explaining the scan and answering your questions beforehand, to performing the scan itself.

Our scans range from 15 minutes for the quickest scan to over an hour for the longest. How long it takes is dependent on the scan that you need and which parts of your body need scanning.        

The MRI scan process

During the scan, you’ll be lying on the table inside the scanner. You must lie as still as possible so that we can get the best possible images.

The area of your body to be scanned needs to be in the centre of the scanner, so you may enter it head or feet first, and parts of your body may remain outside the scanner. You’ll be given a buzzer to hold which you can press anytime to stop the scan, for example, if you feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic. We’ll also give you headphones to wear for the duration of your scan; this is so you can hear the Radiographer when they talk to you and so that you can listen to music if you’d like to.

Please contact us on the number on your appointment letter if you think claustrophobia may be a problem for you. There may be other options available, depending on the type of scan and area of the body to be scanned.

What should I expect after an MRI scan?

Once your scan is done, you’ll be able to leave and carry out your normal activities. A Radiologist will examine the images and the results will be sent to your referring clinician.

How should I prepare for my MRI scan?

Before your scan you can usually eat and drink as normal and take any prescribed medication as usual. However, our team will advise you of any particular instructions that you’ll need to follow.

Please remove all jewellery prior to your arrival, including all piercings. When you arrive in the department, you'll be asked to change into a hospital gown prior to your scan, for safety reasons. If you’re wearing an underwired bra, we’ll ask you to remove it.

Should I expect any pain or reaction from an MRI scan?

You won’t feel any pain during the scan, but some patients feel uncomfortable having to lie still for a long time. You’ll hear quite loud mechanical sounds from the MRI scanner, but we’ll give you headphones or earplugs to wear.

Your Radiographer can always see and hear you during your scan and will be able to talk to you throughout the scan, using an intercom.

For some MRI scans, an injection of special dye may be needed to ensure we get the clearest scan. This depends on the area being scanned and what we need to see. A small percentage of people may have a minor reaction to this injection. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us on the number on your appointment letter.

Contact us about a private MRI scan

It's easy to find out more about treatment by giving us a call or completing our enquiry form.

01580 363158

Make an enquiry