Seasonal self-pay special: urgent care visits $149, regularly $210. Through November 30. See what’s included
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Seasonal self-pay special:
urgent care visits $149, regularly $210. Through November 30.
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IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS
MRI Evaluation at Our Lakewood Urgent Care
Our ER-trained doctors can evaluate your symptoms and decide whether an MRI may help. ContinuEM Urgent Care helps coordinate MRI scheduling through our imaging partner. Call us to discuss the scan you need, availability and where your appointment will take place.
Does Urgent Care Do MRI Scans?
Most urgent care centers do not have MRIs. ContinuEM does. At ContinuEM, our doctors assess whether an MRI is appropriate and help you understand the next steps for scheduling.
How Do I Arrange an MRI Through ContinuEM?
Start with a medical evaluation, or call if you already have an MRI order. The team can explain scheduling and what you need for your scan.
Can I Get a Same-Day MRI?
Often, yes. If our doctor decides you need an MRI, we schedule it the same day or at the next available time, depending on the exam, your medical need, and the scanner’s schedule. A same-day urgent care visit does not guarantee a same-day MRI.
Do I Need an Appointment or Referral?
You can walk in for an urgent care evaluation without an appointment or referral. An MRI requires a doctor's order and separate scheduling. Our doctor will assess whether it is the right test for you.
Already Have an MRI Order From Your Doctor?
Call (562) 731-3990 and tell the team which scan was ordered. Ask how to share the order, what preparation is needed, and where the scan will take place.
Why Start Your MRI Evaluation at ContinuEM?
ER-trained doctors. Every doctor is trained in emergency medicine and board certified in emergency medicine.
Help choosing the right test. A medical evaluation helps determine whether you need an MRI or another next step.
Imaging coordination. The team can explain scheduling through our imaging partner.
Open seven days. Walk in for an evaluation at our Lakewood clinic. MRI appointments follow the imaging schedule.
What to Expect When Arranging an MRI
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Your Medical Evaluation
Your doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and any earlier imaging. If an MRI is appropriate, the team will arrange the scan.
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Before Your Scan
The imaging team will ask about implants, metal in your body, possible pregnancy, and other safety considerations. Tell them if enclosed spaces are difficult for you. Follow the preparation instructions for your particular exam.
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During Your MRI
You lie on a table while the scanner takes images. MRI machines can be loud, and you will need to stay still. The imaging team provides hearing protection and explains how to communicate during the exam.
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When Will I Get My MRI Results?
A radiologist reviews the images and provides a report to the ordering clinician. Ask when the report is expected and who will discuss it with you. Scan completion and final results are separate steps.
What Is an MRI Scan?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images, especially of soft tissues. It does not use the ionizing radiation used in X-rays and CT scans.
When Your Doctor May Recommend an MRI
MRI can help examine the brain, spine, joints, and other organs. Doctors may use it to investigate a suspected soft-tissue injury or a finding that needs a closer look. The right scan depends on the medical question; symptoms alone do not establish that you need an MRI.
If you are having chest pressure with trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, a major injury, or heavy bleeding, call 911.
MRI vs. CT vs. X-Ray
| Test | MRI | CT | X-ray |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it makes images | Magnetic fields and radio waves | X-rays combined into cross-sectional images | X-rays that produce projection images |
| Common uses | Detailed assessment of soft tissues, including joints, brain and spine | Detailed assessment of organs, bones and some internal injuries | Assessment of bones and some chest conditions |
Your doctor can explain which test is appropriate. Learn about CT scans, X-rays and ultrasound.
FAQ
MRI FAQs
No. Waiting for a prior authorization can delay a scan for days. Often, even after the delay, the prior authorization is not approved. At ContinuEM, before anything is scheduled, we give you an estimated charge. You pay that amount at the time of service and sign an acknowledgment that your insurance may not cover the scan or may apply it to your deductible. We still submit the scan to your insurance and provide an itemized receipt to send in for reimbursement. How much comes back depends on your plan.
It depends on the body part and scan type. You’ll get an estimated charge before anything is scheduled.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, but its strong magnetic field requires careful safety screening. The imaging team checks for risks before the exam and discusses any necessary precautions.
Some devices can be scanned under specific conditions; others cannot. Tell the imaging team exactly which implant or device you have before scheduling, and bring its identification information if available.
Most MRIs do not use contrast. Very rarely, contrast may be needed to show a specific body part more clearly, but this is the exception. The ordering clinician and imaging team decide whether it is needed. Tell them about kidney problems or a previous contrast reaction.
The time depends on the body area and the images needed. Most take about 30 minutes. Ask the imaging team how long to allow for your appointment, including preparation and safety screening.
If you are uncomfortable in small spaces, we can provide earplugs or music to help distract you. In rare instances, we can provide medication that helps decrease anxiety.
If the measures don’t work, we do have access to an open MRI scanner at our site. This would need to be scheduled, and “open” MRIs often don't provide the same level of detail, but it is an option if regular enclosed MRIs can’t be used for you.
COVERAGE
We Got You Covered
Your cost depends on your plan and the services you need. Call (562) 731-3990 to check benefits or ask about self-pay pricing.
*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.
*Anthem patients’ benefits may differ † Kaiser commercial plans only
‡ except Humana § except Medi-Cal
How payment works for MRI, CT, and ultrasound
Waiting on an insurance prior authorization can hold up a scan for days, and a denial can still come after the wait. Our STAT advanced imaging coordination gets you scheduled quickly through our imaging partner instead.
Before scheduling anything, we give you an estimated charge. You pay that amount at the time of service, and you sign an acknowledgment that your insurance may not cover the scan or may apply it to your deductible.
We still submit the scan to your insurance. We also give you an itemized receipt you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement. How much comes back depends on your plan. It may be full, partial, or nothing.
X-rays work differently. They are billed to your insurance like the rest of your urgent care visit.
Insurance & PricingFIND US
Visit ContinuEM in Lakewood
Lakewood is home. We’re on South Street, minutes from Long Beach, Cerritos, Bellflower, and the surrounding communities, with easy parking and walk-in care until 11 PM on weekdays.
PHONE
FAX
(562) 461-0082
HOURS & APPOINTMENTS
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 11 PM (last check-in at 10:30 PM)
Saturday & Sunday
10 AM – 6 PM (last check-in at 5:30 PM)
Times may vary. See Holiday Hours.
Medically reviewed by
Written by
ContinuEM Editorial Team
Last updated
October 30, 2026
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
