FAQ - Modern Diagnostic Center

What should I bring along with me to the MRI scan?
You need to bring the following when you come for the MRI scan: The original filled out examination referral form (with the healthcare facility stamp and signed by your doctor), your ID card or other proof of identity, a valid insurance card. The RDG reception staff will inform you about any further details of the examination.
Do I need a refferal form for the examination?
Yex, you need the referral form because the examination cannot be carried out without it. Copies are not enough for us, as health insurance companies require that healthcare facilites submit the original referral forms in accordance with the Ministry of Health regulations. The reffering doctor is obliged to issue the original refferal form, so please cooperate in this.
Should I come in early for the examination?
We recommend that you arrive around 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you have enough time to complete the questionnaire and receive a briefing prior to the MRI scan.
How long does the examination take?
It usually takes between 25 and 90 minutes, depending on the type and extent of the examination.
Is the examination painful?
The MRI scan is painless. However, some patients may experience some discomfort, such as due to the need to lie completely still or owing to the noise of the device (banging sounds).
What will I feel during the examination?
People suffering from claustrophobia may find an MRI scan difficult. If you suffer from claustrophobia, inform your doctor, who may prescribe calming medication.
Can I bring headphones with me?
No electronics, including headphones, may be brought into the MRI room.
What clothes should I wear?
Clothing should be free of metal parts (e.g. zips, buttons, press studs, buckles). We recommend a cotton T-shirt and a bra without underwiring or hooks. You’ll have to take your shoes off before the examination.
Can I wear a dental brace?
Patients with fixed dental braces can undergo an MRI scan. If the area to be examined is close to the orthodontic appliance and its presence could affect the quality of the resulting image, you can ask the orthodontist to temporarily remove the brace after consulting your doctor.
Can the examination cause side effects?
MRI scans are safe and usually do not cause any side effects. If a contrast agent needs to be administered (decided by the doctor), adverse reactions (e.g. a few itchy pimples) may occur in very rare cases. The magnetic field may cause the body to warm up slightly. You will be offered earplugs to protect your hearing and make the examination more comfortable.
Can I pay for the examination as a self-payer?
Yes, you can pay for the examination yourself, but you must have a doctor’s note. The price of the examination will be specified after the referral form has been sent.
Can I keep the images from the examination on a storage medium (CD, USB)?
We can burn the image documentation onto a CD. A fee of CZK 200 is charged for a copy of the image documentation according to the current PTC price list. This can be paid in cash or by card at the RDG reception desk. CDs can also be burned back from previous examinations. For security reasons, the image documentation cannot be emailed or uploaded to a USB device.
When will I receive the results of the examination?
The results of the examination will be received by the doctor who issued the referral form. We send them by registered mail, and they are usually delivered within 5-7 working days. If the doctor has access to the ePACS system, we can also send the images electronically immediately after the examination. At your request, we can also send you a description of the examination by email in a password-protected file.
What are the waiting times for examinations?
The walking time for the appoitment depends on the area to be examined, with an average of 3 weeks.
How do I get to the Proton Center?
The Proton Center is a separate medical facility whose building can be seen from the main road. It is located on a slope on the northern edge of the Bulovka University Hospital in Prague, between the Institute of Radiation Oncology (building 16) and the Department of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (building 4).
Can I park there?
Yes, we have a car park right by the main entrance of the Proton Center, in the grounds of the Bulovka University Hospital. Parking fees apply after the first 30 minutes.
Can I have an MRI scan with my head outside the device?
It depends on the type of area to be examined. We will always try to accommodate you as much as possible, but for some parts of the body this is not possible. After consultation with your doctor, the examination may be performed under analgosedation (sedative medication).
What device do you use?
Our workplace owns two Siemens devices – MAGNETOM Sola 1.5T.
What is the diameter and load capacity of the table?
The diameter of the gantry (tunnel) is 70 cm and the load capacity of the table is up to 150 kg. However, the diameter of the widest part of your body cannot exceed 65 cm. The examination is performed with you lying down.
Can I pay extra for an express appoitment?
No, we do not offer this service.
Will the examination cost anything?
We have contracts with all health insurance companies, which means that in normal cases the examination is covered by your health insurance. The situation is different for self-payers or if the referring doctor does not have a contract with the health insurance company. In these cases, the price for the examination is charged according to the current PTC price list. You will be informed of the approximate price for the examination by the reception staff upon receipt of the referral form.
Can I refuse to be given a contrast agent?
Yes, you have the option to refuse the contrast agent. This step must be confirmed by signing a “Refusal of Treatment” form. An examination without the use of a contrast agent may provide less information.

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