MRI & Advanced Imaging

Tesla (T) is the unit of magnetic field strength. A 3T MRI scanner has twice the magnetic field strength of a 1.5T scanner, producing higher signal-to-noise ratios that allow for thinner image slices and finer anatomical detail. For personal injury purposes, 3T MRI is superior for detecting smaller pathology — subtle disc herniations, partial-thickness tendon tears, small osteochondral lesions, and early articular cartilage changes. MAIC maintains both 1.5T and 3T scanners to match the appropriate technology to each clinical scenario.

MAIC's MRI program covers the full range of anatomical regions relevant to personal injury claims: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine; brain (including TBI protocols with SWI); shoulder (with and without arthrographic contrast); knee; hip (with and without arthrographic contrast); wrist; elbow; and ankle. We coordinate all MRI protocols based on clinical findings from the treating physician's examination, ensuring that the imaging addresses the specific clinical questions relevant to each patient's injuries and claim.

Standard radiology reports describe what is present on the images in anatomical terms. MAIC's reports, produced by radiologists experienced in personal injury imaging, go further: they characterize the acuity of findings (acute vs. chronic features), the clinical significance relative to the mechanism of injury, the correlation between imaging findings and the patient's reported symptoms, and the response to the specific clinical questions posed by the treating physician. This structured, clinically oriented reporting approach produces documents that directly support the causation analysis and are formatted for use in demand packages and litigation.

Yes. MRI imaging that is medically necessary and causally related to a motor vehicle accident is covered under New York State No-Fault insurance. MAIC manages all No-Fault MRI authorization directly — our PI coordination team submits prior authorization requests and handles any carrier correspondence. For patients without active coverage, we accept medical liens.

Yes, in most cases. MAIC's on-site MRI and evaluation facilities are coordinated to allow same-day or next-day imaging for PI patients. This is particularly important given the NYS No-Fault 30-day treatment initiation requirement. When the treating physician orders MRI at the initial evaluation, our scheduling team arranges the scan as quickly as possible — often the same day or within 24–48 hours of the evaluation.