Get immediate access to accurate diagnosis
Diagnostic arm MRI scans
Read more about what an Arm MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from an Arm MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health for your arm MRI scan?
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Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer arm MRI scans throughout the UK.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Fast, affordable private MRI scans for the arm
If you’re experiencing pain in your arm, it could be caused by a number of different causes including injury, wear and tear, overuse, a pinched nerve or a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. And with three large bones and 24 muscles, the arm is a complex part of your body. Accurate diagnosis is essential in planning effective treatment
Vista Health offers affordable private arm MRI scans right across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is an arm MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
An MRI scan will usually focus either on the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder, or the lower or forearm, depending on your symptoms and where you’re experiencing pain.
What kinds of private arm MRI scans are available?
The arm is usually considered as two distinct parts, the upper arm and the lower or forearm. Your MRI scan will concentrate on one or the other, depending on what’s appropriate at the time. If it’s needed, you can schedule scans of each part of the arm together.
Upper Arm
An MRI scan will show images of your ligaments, tendons, humerus, and the four upper arm muscles - the biceps, brachialis, coracobrachialis and triceps.
Lower or forearm
The forearm is far more complex than the upper arm. It’s made up of two bones and 20 muscles. The MRI images will show the specific locations of any damage or abnormalities.
What symptoms would prompt an arm MRI scan?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, an arm MRI scan could diagnose the problem and help you plan treatment.
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sharp or recurring pain
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limited mobility
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numbness
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inflammation or swelling
What can an arm MRI scan detect?
The results of your private MRI arm scan could help diagnose a range of injuries or conditions, including:
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Bone fractures
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Muscle or tendon tears
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Infections
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Nerve damage
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Tumours
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Osteoarthritis
An MRI scan is a diagnostic tool, so it won’t treat these conditions. However, the results will allow your physician to make informed decisions and recommend appropriate treatment.
What happens during an arm MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. An arm MRI scan takes around 40 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Step by step
Your arm MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private arm MRI scan with Vista Health
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Appointment booking
Decide on a location and date, and whether you need an upper arm or forearm scan. Then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Attend your diagnostic appointment
Attend your chosen diagnostic centre on the day of your appointment. Your arm MRI scan should take about 40 minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Results
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private arm MRI scan cost?
| Label and description | Value |
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Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
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£365
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Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
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£345
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Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
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£249
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one