MRI Personalized Care, Rooted in the Rockies

MRIs in Salida, CO

State-of-the-Art Imaging Technology in the Arkansas River Valley

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center brings convenient MRI imaging to Salida, so patients across the Arkansas River Valley can get answers to their medical needs without traveling long distances. Our imaging team works alongside your provider, so your results are incorporated directly into your treatment plan.

Manage your entire care journey—from initial consultations and imaging to necessary follow-up treatments—right here in our community. Whether you reside in Salida, Buena Vista, Westcliffe, Saguache, or Fairplay, our on-site medical team remains prepared to incorporate your results into a personalized care plan.

What Are MRIs Used For?

An MRI gives your care team a closer look at problems a physical exam or an x-ray may not be able to determine. Examples of what an MRI may be able to identify include:

Torn muscles, ligaments and tendons
Tumors
Aneurysms
Stroke damage
Internal bleeding
Arthritis
Evaluating Multiple Sclerosis

These scans support diagnoses across the full range of specialty care at HRRMC, from our orthopedics and sports medicine teams evaluating a joint or torn ligament, to our surgical team assessing internal bleeding before a procedure.

How Our MRI Works

HRRMC uses a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, the same model found in a majority of hospitals nationwide. The scan itself is completely harmless. An MRI machine relies on radio waves and magnetic fields to view layers of your organs, muscles and tissue that cannot be seen on an X-ray, and present in more detail than can be seen on an ultrasound.

Patients lay on a table that slides into a wider-opening scanner, giving extra room for limbs and easing the tight feeling that may make some patients uncomfortable. This extra room doesn't come at the cost of image quality. The added space helps produce clearer images, giving your provider more to work with when making a diagnosis. Scans typically last between 30 to 60 minutes.

Anyone with a pacemaker or other metal implant should notify their care team in advance, since the scanner's magnetic field can interfere with certain devices.

Still Feeling Nervous About Tight Spaces?

If you are concerned about the confined spaces during an MRI, please consult your healthcare provider regarding medication options that may help you stay comfortable during the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About HRRMC MRI Imaging

How long does an MRI take?

Most MRIs at HRRMC take between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the body part being imaged. Your technologist will confirm the exact time before your scan begins.

What should I expect during an MRI?

You will lay flat on a table that slides into the scanner while the machine captures images of the targeted area. This painless test is designed with comfort in mind, offering additional space that helps put anxious patients at ease.

Do I need a referral for an MRI?

Yes. Your provider needs to submit a referral before you can schedule your scan. This can be a primary care provider, orthopedic medical provider or specialist, depending on your condition. If you don't have a primary care provider yet, HRRMC can help connect you with one on our medical staff.

How do I schedule an MRI appointment at HRRMC?

Once your referral is sent through, our Centralized Scheduling department will give you a call to set up your MRI appointment. The department is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at (719) 530-2396.