MRI scan
When a private MRI scan could be the first step to your recovery, you don’t want to wait for an appointment.
At KIMS Hospital and Sevenoaks Medical Centre, we offer fast access to private diagnostic MRI scans, so you receive results in a timely way. Using magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body, an MRI scan can diagnose and assess injury and monitor the progress of your treatment.
You will need to have been referred for an MRI by a qualified healthcare professional, such as your GP, a Consultant, an Osteopath or a Physiotherapist. If you think you need an MRI but don’t have a referral yet, our team are happy to assist you by offering you an appointment with a Private GP or Physical Therapist, who will be able to determine whether you need a scan and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Private MRI scans in a reassuring environment
We understand that undergoing any type of scan can be daunting, which is why our dedicated team of experienced MRI radiographers will be with you every step of the way. Our scanners are wide bore which can help to provide a more reassuring environment if you struggle with feelings of claustrophobia.
We offer appointments seven days a week, including early morning, late evening and weekends, so you can be treated at a time that works for you. Please note that Sevenoaks Medical Centre only offers appointments Monday to Friday.
Locations
You can have a private MRI scan at:
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Cost of a private MRI scan at KIMS Hospital
The above are guide prices only.
MRI scan FAQs
Who can have an MRI scan?
Anyone can have an MRI scan as there is no radiation involved, but you will need to have been referred by a qualified healthcare professional, such as your GP, Consultant, an Osteopath or a Physiotherapist.
It is important that the referral information is thorough, as this will allow the MRI team to tailor the scan to best suit your diagnostic needs.
KIMS Hospital is one of only a handful of private hospitals in the UK that can offer MRI scans to patients with many modern types of pacemakers and cardiac devices such as implantable defibrillators. To find out more, please visit our MRI with pacemaker page.
Where can I have my private MRI scan?
We offer private MRI scans at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone and at Sevenoaks Medical Centre. Even if you have your initial consultation at KIMS Hospital, you can still have your MRI scan in Sevenoaks. This might be because we can offer you an appointment sooner, or you may find it more convenient to switch between our facilities, depending on where you live and work.
What happens at my appointment?
The Imaging team will ask you to complete a consent form for your scan and check that you have completed an MRI safety questionnaire. We ask that all patients, and anyone accompanying them into the MRI environment, complete these forms.
Your MRI Radiographer will confirm your personal and clinical details with you and be able to answer any questions you may have. In the MRI examination room, they will explain what will happen during the scan and make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
Unfortunately, all MRI scanners are noisy. Depending on the examination you need, you will be given either earplugs or headphones to help soften the noise. If you are offered headphones, you are welcome to choose your favourite radio station to be played during the scan or you can bring your favourite music on a CD.
Your Radiographer will show you how to contact them, should you need to speak to them at any point during your scan, and will also show you the room where they will be seated whilst your scan takes place. Once your Radiographer has positioned you correctly on the scanner bed, they will leave the room and watch you on the scanner’s monitor through the glass window in the adjacent room.
The Radiographers can hear and see you at all times, so please do not worry. They will communicate with you throughout the examination, updating you on progress of the scan. Each body part normally takes about 30 minutes to scan, which means, for a three-part scan where three different areas of the body need scanning, it would take approximately 90 minutes.
When the scan is completed, your MRI Radiographer will remove your ear protection and take you back to the private changing room for you to get dressed.
What should I wear for my MRI scan?
It is important to remember to wear minimal jewellery and simple clothing, which you can easily take off. We can provide a locker, however it is best to leave jewellery, watches and any other metal valuable items at home or with someone who is accompanying you for your appointment.
You will then be required to change into a comfortable hospital gown.
When will I get my results?
During your private MRI scan a large number of images are obtained. One of the team of Consultant Radiologists will review the scans and produce a report. The majority of reports will be produced within two working days of your appointment. Unfortunately, the Radiographers who undertake your MRI scan are unable to give you any indication of the results of the scan on the day.
Your report will be sent to your referring medical professional such as your Consultant, GP or Physiotherapist who will be able to give you the results of your scan. Please arrange a follow-up appointment with them.
What if I need further treatment?
If your MRI scan shows that you need treatment or surgery, your Consultant will recommend a treatment plan for you. If you need surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
Do you offer a full body MRI scan?
No, unfortunately we do not offer full body MRI scans. We can offer MRI scans up to 3 parts at either KIMS Hospital, or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.