MRI Diagnostic Imaging

Houston Methodist Hospital's radiology department at the Texas Medical Center operates multiple high-field MRI systems including 3 Tesla, 3 Tesla wide-bore, 1.5 Tesla, and 1.5 Tesla wide-bore scanners, interpreted by fellowship-trained radiologists. Standard diagnostic MRI is available for covered clinical indications, and private-pay whole-body MRI screening is offered for health-conscious adults seeking preventive imaging. Additional modalities include CT, PET/CT, DEXA, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and interventional radiology.

Houston Methodist Hospital's imaging and radiology department at the Texas Medical Center campus is among the most advanced diagnostic imaging centers in the Gulf Coast region, providing access to the full range of MRI technologies alongside a broad suite of complementary imaging modalities. The MRI fleet at the main campus includes four dedicated scanners: a 3 Tesla MRI and a 3 Tesla wide-bore MRI for high-resolution imaging of the brain, spine, joints, abdomen, and pelvis; and a 1.5 Tesla MRI and a 1.5 Tesla wide-bore MRI for patients who may be claustrophobic or whose body dimensions require the wider bore design. The wide-bore configurations improve patient comfort without sacrificing clinical image quality, making them well-suited for musculoskeletal and cardiac MRI applications. All scans are interpreted by fellowship-trained radiologists with subspecialty expertise matching the body region being assessed. For clinical indications (ordered by a physician), MRI scans at Houston Methodist are covered by most major insurance plans including Aetna, BCBS of Texas, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. Scheduling is handled at 346.356.3044, with appointments typically available within a clinically appropriate timeframe at the Texas Medical Center location. A private-pay whole-body MRI screening program is also available for healthy adults who want comprehensive soft-tissue imaging as part of a preventive health strategy. This service targets medical tourists, executives, and health-focused individuals who want a rigorous clinical review — distinguishing Houston Methodist from commercial wellness-scanning operations by offering fellowship-trained radiologist interpretation and integration with the broader clinical team if findings warrant follow-up. Beyond MRI, the radiology department offers 64-slice low-dose CT, PET/CT, bone density testing (DEXA), nuclear medicine, echocardiography, fluoroscopy, angiography, myelography, and interventional radiology. The department serves patients from across Houston including the Medical Center area, West University, Bellaire, Greenway Plaza, Montrose, and the Museum District, and is accessible via the Texas Medical Center shuttle system.