MRI Orders
MRI with Contrast Order Consultation
Get an MRI with gadolinium contrast order from a licensed provider. Kidney function screening included. $40 consultation, order in 1 business day.
Schedule Telehealth ConsultationMRI with Contrast: Enhanced Diagnostic Imaging
Some MRI exams benefit from intravenous gadolinium contrast to enhance visualization of inflammatory changes, tumors, infections, post-surgical scarring, and other pathology. Your provider will determine if contrast is medically necessary for your specific case.
If you need an MRI with contrast but don't have a primary care doctor, a telehealth medical provider can evaluate your condition, order kidney function screening, and issue a contrast-enhanced MRI order—all within 1 business day.
Kidney Function Screening Required
Before receiving gadolinium contrast, your kidney function (eGFR) must be assessed via blood test. This is a standard safety protocol to prevent complications in patients with kidney disease.
When Is Contrast-Enhanced MRI Indicated?
A provider typically recommends contrast-enhanced MRI when:
- A standard MRI shows an abnormal area needing further characterization
- Tumor evaluation is needed (brain, spinal cord, or other regions)
- Infection or inflammation is suspected (meningitis, abscess, discitis)
- Post-surgical evaluation to distinguish scarring from recurrent disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) evaluation to assess active inflammatory lesions
- Evaluation of blood-brain barrier breakdown suggesting serious pathology
- Vascular assessment of tumors or abnormal tissue enhancement patterns
- Assessment of spinal cord lesions or abnormalities
Understanding Gadolinium Contrast
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal compound that enhances MRI signal in tissues with increased blood flow or inflammation. Key facts:
Mechanism
Gadolinium alters local magnetic field, increasing signal intensity in areas of inflammation, infection, or altered blood-brain barrier permeability.
Administration
Given as an intravenous injection (IV) during the MRI exam. Typical dose is 0.1–0.2 mmol/kg. Procedure adds 5–10 minutes to scan time.
Clearance
Gadolinium is not metabolized—it is cleared renally within 24–48 hours in patients with normal kidney function.
Safety Profile
Generally well-tolerated with low adverse event rates. Side effects are rare and typically mild (headache, injection site reaction).
Kidney Function (eGFR) Screening
Before receiving gadolinium contrast, your provider will order a kidney function test (eGFR—estimated glomerular filtration rate) via blood work.
eGFR ≥ 60
Normal/Adequate Kidney Function
Contrast is safe. Proceed with contrast-enhanced MRI.
eGFR 30–59
Reduced Kidney Function (Stage 3)
Contrast can typically be given with caution. Hydration and monitoring recommended.
eGFR < 30
Severe Kidney Disease (Stage 4–5)
Contrast may be contraindicated due to NSF risk. Provider will evaluate risk/benefit.
Your provider will review eGFR results before authorizing contrast-enhanced MRI. This protects patient safety and prevents rare complications like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
The Contrast MRI Consultation Process
Here's how the process works:
Telehealth Consultation
Describe your symptoms and explain why your provider recommends contrast-enhanced MRI.
eGFR Order
Your provider orders a blood test to measure kidney function (eGFR). You can get blood drawn at a local lab.
eGFR Results Review
Once results return (typically 24–48 hours), your provider reviews them to confirm contrast is safe.
Contrast MRI Order Issuance
If eGFR is adequate, you receive a formal contrast-enhanced MRI order specifying the body region and imaging protocol.
Schedule Imaging
Contact an imaging facility, provide your order and eGFR results, and schedule your contrast-enhanced MRI.
Patient Preparation for Contrast MRI
Before your contrast-enhanced MRI:
- • Remove all metal jewelry, watches, phones, and credit cards
- • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal (zippers, buttons)
- • Bring your insurance card and photo ID
- • Arrive 15 minutes early to complete check-in
- • Inform the technician of any allergies or prior contrast reactions
- • Inform the technician if you have any metal implants (pacemakers, metallic joints, hearing aids)
- • Inform the technician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Pricing
Telehealth Consultation & MRI Order
Includes medical evaluation
$40
eGFR Blood Test
Varies by lab
$20–$50
Self-Pay Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Varies by facility and anatomy
$400–$1000+
Total Range
Consultation + labs + imaging
$460–$1090+
We are not affiliated with any imaging center. You can schedule your contrast-enhanced MRI at any facility that accepts provider orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Contrast MRI Order
Schedule a telehealth consultation to get your contrast-enhanced MRI order with kidney function screening included. Order issued within 1 business day.
Schedule NowRelated MRI Resources
Medical Disclaimer
This information is educational. Contrast-enhanced MRI orders are issued only when a licensed provider determines contrast is medically appropriate and kidney function is adequate. We do not diagnose, treat, or interpret imaging results. Always disclose all medical conditions and medications to your provider during consultation.