Whole Body MRI Imaging
A proactive look at your health — without ionizing radiation
Parkwood Open Imaging offers whole body MRI screening as a broad, non-invasive option for patients who want early awareness, peace of mind, and a clearer picture of their overall health.
What is Whole Body MRI?
Whole Body MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed pictures of internal body structures. Unlike X-ray or CT imaging, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
A whole-body screening exam differs from a focused diagnostic MRI because it provides a broader overview of several major body regions rather than concentrating on one specific area.
Possible exam coverage
Head and neck
Brain, soft tissues, and related structures
Spine
Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine overview
Chest region
Selected internal and soft-tissue structures
Abdomen
Liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and surrounding anatomy
Pelvis
Pelvic organs and nearby soft tissues
Musculoskeletal system
Selected bones, joints, and soft-tissue regions
Exact exam coverage may vary based on the screening package, scanner capabilities, and radiologist-approved protocols.
Why patients choose Whole Body MRI
- • Want a broad wellness screening option without ionizing radiation
- • Have a family history of certain medical conditions
- • Want baseline imaging for future comparison
- • Are interested in proactive health planning
- • Want additional information to discuss with their physician
What Whole Body MRI may help identify
Whole Body MRI may reveal findings that warrant additional medical review, such as masses, cysts, inflammatory changes, spinal abnormalities, soft-tissue findings, or organ-related abnormalities.
Some findings may be minor and require no immediate treatment, while others may require follow-up imaging, laboratory testing, specialist consultation, biopsy, or monitoring.
No screening test can detect every disease. Whole Body MRI may provide helpful information, but it does not guarantee that all conditions will be found.
What Whole Body MRI does not replace
Whole Body MRI works best when combined with regular medical care and physician guidance. Patients should continue age-appropriate preventive care, including annual physical exams, blood work, mammography when recommended, colonoscopy, cardiac evaluation, Pap smear and pelvic exams, prostate screening when appropriate, and other testing advised by a physician.
A comfortable imaging experience
Patient comfort is an important part of the Parkwood Open MRI experience. Our team guides patients from scheduling through completion, explains what to expect, answers questions, and supports patients who may feel nervous about MRI exams, including those with claustrophobia, anxiety, pain, or difficulty lying still.
MRI safety comes first
MRI is safe for many patients, but safety screening is required before entering the MRI environment. Please tell our team if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, implanted stimulator, cochlear implant, aneurysm clip, medication pump, surgical implants, metal fragments, prior metal injury, eye injury involving metal, joint replacement hardware, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, or kidney disease if contrast is being considered.
Contrast, reports, and follow-up
Whole Body MRI screening is commonly performed without contrast, depending on the approved protocol. If a specific finding needs closer evaluation, your physician may recommend a separate diagnostic MRI with or without contrast, ultrasound, CT, lab testing, or specialist consultation.
After the scan, images are reviewed by a radiologist and a written report is prepared. If the report identifies a finding requiring follow-up, patients should review the results with their physician.
Who may benefit
Whole Body MRI may be considered by generally well adults who want a broader look at their internal health, patients seeking non-radiation screening options, individuals interested in baseline imaging, and those who want more information to share with their healthcare provider.
Whole Body MRI is not appropriate for emergency symptoms. If you have chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe headache, sudden weakness, major trauma, or severe abdominal pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Screening options and payment
Parkwood Open MRI may offer different screening options depending on patient needs and available protocols, such as head and neck screening, spine screening, torso screening, comprehensive whole body MRI, or a focused follow-up MRI when recommended by a physician.
Whole Body MRI is generally considered an elective screening service and may not be covered by insurance. Our team will review available options and pricing before your appointment. Patients may also check with their HSA or FSA provider about possible eligibility for health savings funds.
Frequently asked questions
Does Whole Body MRI use radiation?
No. MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
Is it painful?
No. It is non-invasive, but patients must lie still while images are taken.
Can it detect cancer?
It may identify certain masses or abnormal findings, but it cannot detect every type of cancer and should not replace standard cancer screening.
Can I have an MRI if I have implants?
Possibly. Many implants are MRI-safe or MRI-conditional, but all implants must be reviewed before the exam.
Schedule Whole Body MRI Imaging
Take a proactive step toward understanding your health. Parkwood Open MRI can answer questions, explain available screening options, and help you schedule an appointment.