Get immediate access to a private MRI Scan. Find out what's involved and how an MRI Scan could help you.
Fast, private MRI scans. Your health, your time.
Private MRI Scan
- CQC-registered private hospital
- No long waiting list - scans available within 5 days
- Results and recommendations within 7 days of scan
- No NHS referral required
What is an MRI Scan?
An MRI Scan uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of your body. A radiographer operates the machine and will also guide you through the procedure, ensuring the images are captured accurately. The images captured by the MRI scan are sent to a radiologist, who will carefully review them and provide a report to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Unlike X-rays, MRI Scans do not use any forms of radiation. It is a safe procedure and you will not be exposed to the harmful effects of radiation.
MRI Scans provide a high level of accuracy, helping in the early detection of conditions or injuries affecting almost any part of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, breasts, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. They can also be used to monitor ongoing treatment.
Owned & led by doctors.
What happens during an MRI scan?
During the scan, you’ll be asked to lie on a bed that moves into the MRI scanner. The part of the body being scanned is placed in the middle of the scanner. To make sure you feel comfortable, the scanner is open at both ends and there is a fan inside to keep you cool. There is also a two-way intercom so that you can talk to your radiographer.
If you require a functional MRI scan, you may be asked to perform some simple tasks, such as squeezing your hand or answering a few questions. This is to create a visual map of the brain, highlighting an increase in oxygen and blood flow to certain regions.
Although this is a safe and painless procedure, the machine itself is a confined space and can cause some patients to feel anxious. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process, so please let your radiographer know if you suffer from claustrophobia. With years of experience, our team of experts have worked with plenty of anxious patients.
We can also provide you with earplugs or headphones to help you stay relaxed during the scan.
Flexible finance options available
Pay Monthly Options
You can pay in full, using your insurance or by splitting the cost with Klarna. You can split your payment into three interest-free instalments and enjoy a 30-day interest-free period. Credit limit: £1,500
We also work with all the major private medical insurance providers, including Bupa, Vitality, Allianz, and Aviva. You should always contact your insurer before booking an appointment. You’ll need to provide us with your insurer details and pre-authorisation code when you get in touch with our team.
See clearer, feel better. Book your Private MRI today!
Enjoy a stress-free MRI with Pall Mall
We are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced diagnostic technology available. That's why we use the Siemens MAGNETOM series MRI scanners, renowned for their precision, speed, and patient comfort.
Superior image quality to ensure accurate diagnosis for a wide range of conditions
Faster scans, meaning much less time spent in the scanner
Open and spacious design helps reduce anxiety and makes the scanning process less stressful.
Ergonomic design and gentle, smooth movements to ensure maximum comfort.
Our staff are also trained to provide additional support and reassurance throughout the procedure.
Siemens MAGNETOM MRI scanners feature Quiet Suite technology
What happens when you book a private MRI?
If you’re interested in booking a private MRI Scan, our expert team will be able to advise you on what happens next. It’s worth noting that unlike other providers, we can handle your referral for an MRI scan internally so you don't need an NHS referral.
You’ll have a call with one of our GPs, who will discuss your needs, recommend the right scan and arrange your referral for our radiology team. Our bookings team will then get back in touch to book your scan at a time to suit you. You'll be asked to pay a deposit of £25 to book your GP call, which will come off the price of your scan - view our imaging terms and conditions for more details.
Meet our GPs
Our friendly GPs will be on hand to discuss your requirements for an MRI Scan, arrange the next steps, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Fast results, up to 7 days
How to prepare for an MRI Scan
An MRI is a straightforward procedure and there’s not much you need to do to prepare for it. You can’t wear any metal during the scan, so you’ll need to remove piercings, jewellery, watches, and glasses.
Once you are lying on the bed it will move forward and position you to get the clearest possible images. Because the scan can take anything from 30 minutes to two hours, the best thing to do is simply lie back and relax. You’ll be able to talk to your radiologist at any time during your MRI scan and you’ll receive support and reassurance if you have any concerns whatsoever. After your scan you can continue with your daily activities, drive, and go back to work if you choose to.
Fast results, up to 7 days
Treatment and support after your MRI Scan
After your scan, you will receive a report from your radiologist explaining your results in detail. If you have any questions about the report itself, please get in touch.
If your radiologist doesn't discover anything abnormal in the images, your MRI Scan will be deemed normal. If there are any areas of concern, you will be guided through the next steps for treatment. This may include further testing or consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Our expert team are always hand to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.
Is an MRI Scan painful?
An MRI Scan doesn’t hurt and in most cases you don’t have to be sedated for the scan. To achieve the best images, you will be asked to remain as still as possible.
What can an MRI be used for?
MRI Scans can generate multi-dimensional images at any angle from the body, making them an essential diagnostic tool. Some of the common uses for this type of scanner include:
Examining the spinal cord to identify back problems and trapped nerves
Examining the knees, hips or shoulders to identify bone and joint problems
Detecting the presence of tumours in the brain and other parts of the body
Looking at the changes in the brain associated with strokes and dementia
Examining muscles and abnormal growths to check for ligament damage or muscle damage
Heart abnormalities
Soft tissue problems
Brain & Body Screening (an alternative to a health screen)
What can I do if I feel claustrophobic during the scan?
Our radiographers are extremely experienced in these situations to help you remain calm and relaxed during the scan. You can speak to them at all times during your scan, and there is also a button right next to you that you can press at any time if you feel too uncomfortable.
There are several things you can do to help ease your anxiety. Sometimes this can be as simple as asking a question or doing some research before your scan. Other patients find it helpful to distract themselves with breathing exercises.
Introducing a few home comforts can also make a world of difference, and we can provide a blanket to keep you warm and cosy. If you struggle with severe claustrophobia and you are over 18 years old, your consultant may recommend a sedative. This will be discussed with you ahead of the procedure.
Are there any risks or side effects?
For some patients, the MRI Scan will involve an injection of a contrast dye called gadolinium. This is to provide more clarity and detail for certain tissues and blood vessels.
Although minimal, there are potential side effects of gadolinium to be aware of:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Feeling of coldness at the injection site
The above side effects should only last for a short time.
Are MRI Scans noisy?
During the MRI scan, the electric currents will occasionally cause loud tapping sounds when obtaining an image. The unfamiliar sound can be alarming to some people, but rest assured it is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
How long does an MRI Scan take?
Each MRI Scan usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the number of areas of the body being examined and how many images are needed.
This is an outpatient procedure and you will not be required to stay overnight. Usually, you are able to go home soon after the scan. If you have been sedated, you will need to arrange for a family member or friend to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
A few things to remember after taking a sedative:
Do not drink or drive for 24 hours
Do not operate any heavy machinery for 24 hours
Eat small meals frequently to avoid nausea and vomiting
Get plenty of rest
When do I get the results?
You’ll receive the results of the scan within seven days. You'll receive a report from your radiologist explaining the results and whether any further tests or consultations are required.
Enquire About Our MRI Scan
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.
Always here to help, whenever you need us
Our expert team are always here to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.