PET / MRI Scan

The patient arrives 30 minutes prior to their appointment time, and the radiotracer is injected.  The patient waits for about an hour while the radiotracer localizes to the tissue of interest and the PET/MRI is subsequently performed. The entire visit takes around two and a half hours.  For information on preparing for your exam, click here. 

As with any MRI, safety is our primary concern.  Please visit our page on UCSF MR safety.  Notably, if you have any implantable device, it is likely unsafe for you to be imaged using the PET/MRI.

After a PET/MRI is scheduled, UCSF’s Central Authorization Unit helps patients and referring practices with pre-service insurance authorization or pre-service coverage determination when the patient is referred by a UCSF provider. Patients referred by non-UCSF providers must obtain insurance authorization through their referring physician’s office. In most cases this procedure is covered by insurance plans, including Medicare. UCSF’s Radiology Billing Department at (415) 514-8888 is happy to answer any questions about billing or provide price estimates for any Radiology services.

For UCSF physicians, please read our instructions for ordering through Apex.

For outside referrals, please provide a quick written order for a PET/MRI and schedule the appointment through radiology scheduling. Our billing department will then contact the referring physician's practice to gather the needed information.

We look forward to partnering with you as opportunities continue to expand in this rapidly evolving arena.