Your doctor just ordered an MRI. At Artesia General Hospital, we provide MRI services at two locations across southeastern New Mexico — a closed MRI at our Artesia campus and an open MRI at our Carlsbad imaging center — so patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, Eddy County, Loving, Hope, Loco Hills, Lake Arthur, Hagerman, Seven Rivers, and Whites City can access high-quality imaging close to home. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything, from the moment you receive your referral to the moment your results reach your physician.
Medically reviewed by Roy Thomas, MHA, RT(RT)(CT), Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Artesia General Hospital | Last reviewed: February 2026
Step 1 — Receiving Your Referral
Your MRI journey begins with a referral from your physician. Your doctor will send an order to our scheduling team specifying the body area to be imaged and any clinical notes relevant to your scan. Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you to schedule your appointment.
If you experience claustrophobia or anxiety, let your doctor know. They can direct your referral to our Carlsbad Open MRI & Imaging Center where our open MRI system provides a more comfortable experience. If your physician requires the highest possible field strength for complex diagnostics, our Fujifilm Echelon Synergy 1.5T closed MRI system in Artesia delivers exceptional image clarity.
Step 2 — Scheduling Your Appointment
Call us to schedule at either location:
- Carlsbad Open MRI — (575) 628-1234
- AGH Radiology, Artesia — 1.855.RAD.EXAM (1.855.723.3926)
During scheduling, our team will verify your insurance, answer your questions, and give you preparation instructions. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Visit our billing and insurance page or use our cost estimator tool for more information.
Step 3 — Preparing for Your MRI
Preparation is straightforward for most MRI exams. Follow these steps before your appointment.
What to wear:
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, clasps, or underwire. Many patients are asked to change into a gown, so simple clothing makes that process easier.
What to leave at home:
Leave jewelry, hair pins, watches, and any removable metal accessories at home. Metal objects interfere with the magnetic field and must be removed before you enter the scan room.
What to tell your care team:
Before your scan, inform your technologist if you have any of the following:
- A pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted cardiac device
- Metal implants, surgical hardware, or joint replacements
- An insulin pump, cochlear implant, or neurostimulator
- Any history of working with metal (metal fragments in the eyes)
- Known allergies, particularly to contrast dye
- Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
- Severe anxiety or claustrophobia
Contrast dye:
Some MRI scans use a contrast agent — a dye injected intravenously — to enhance the visibility of certain structures. Your physician’s order will specify whether contrast is required. If you have kidney problems or known allergies to contrast, tell your scheduling team when you book.
Step 4 — Arriving at Your AGH Imaging Location
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring the following:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Your physician’s referral or order, if provided directly to you
- A list of current medications and dosages
- Any previous imaging studies relevant to your condition, if available
Both AGH imaging locations offer convenient parking. Our Carlsbad Open MRI & Imaging Center is located at 1410 N. 8th St., Suite A, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Our Artesia radiology department is located at 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM 88210.
Step 5 — What Happens in the Scan Room
At our Artesia location — closed MRI:
Your technologist will confirm your medical history, answer any final questions, and help you onto the scan table. The table will then slowly move into the center of the Fujifilm Echelon Synergy 1.5T magnet. You will hear a series of loud knocking or thumping sounds — this is completely normal. Earplugs or headphones are provided. Your technologist monitors you throughout the entire exam from an adjacent room. Most closed MRI exams take 30 to 60 minutes.
At our Carlsbad location — open MRI:
Rather than entering a narrow tunnel, you rest on a wide, comfortable table with open space on all sides throughout your scan. The open design of our high-field Fujifilm Oasis system significantly reduces the noise and confinement associated with traditional MRI. Your technologist remains in constant communication with you throughout the exam. Most open MRI exams take 30 to 45 minutes.
During your scan — both locations:
The most important thing you can do during your MRI is stay as still as possible. Movement can blur the images and may require the scan to be repeated. If you feel anxious at any point, let your technologist know through the intercom.
Step 6 — After Your Scan
You can resume normal activities immediately after your MRI in most cases. If your scan required contrast dye, drink plenty of water afterward to help flush it from your system. If you took a sedative or anti-anxiety medication before your exam, arrange for someone to drive you home.
Your images are reviewed by board-certified radiologists who send results securely and promptly to your referring physician. Your doctor will contact you to discuss the findings and any recommended next steps.
How MRI Results Connect to Your Care at AGH
An MRI doesn’t exist in isolation — it informs every step of your treatment. When our orthopedics and bone and joint team evaluates a knee, hip, or shoulder injury, MRI results guide the treatment plan. Our women’s health team relies on ultrasound and other imaging modalities for prenatal care screenings. Our behavioral health team sometimes uses neurological imaging to support diagnosis and treatment planning. Even our general surgery team depends on imaging for pre-surgical planning and post-operative monitoring.
Because Carlsbad Open MRI & Imaging Center and our Artesia radiology department are both part of Artesia General Hospital, your imaging results flow directly into our care network. View all AGH services.
Tips for a Successful MRI — Especially If You’re Nervous
Anxiety before an MRI is common. These strategies help many patients complete their scan comfortably:
- Choose the right location. Request our open MRI in Carlsbad if you are claustrophobic or anxious.
- Talk to your technologist. Tell them you’re nervous before the scan begins.
- Focus on your breathing. Slow, steady breaths help reduce anxiety and keep you still during the scan.
- Ask about music. Both locations can provide headphones and music to help you relax.
- Talk to your doctor about medication. If anxiety is severe, your physician may prescribe a mild sedative. Arrange a driver if you go this route.
- Remember it is painless. MRI uses no radiation and causes no physical discomfort. The main sensation most patients notice is the sound of the machine.
What Patients Are Saying
★★★★★ Google Review “As soon as I walked into the building I was happily greeted. Love this hospital and I love the health care providers that take care of my family regularly!” — AGH Patient
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Expect During Your First MRI
Is an MRI painful?
No. An MRI is a completely painless, non-invasive procedure. It uses no radiation. Most patients find the noise the most noticeable aspect of the experience, which is why we provide hearing protection at both locations.
How long does an MRI take at AGH?
Most MRI exams take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area being scanned and whether contrast is used. Your technologist will give you a more precise estimate when you schedule.
Can I eat before my MRI?
In most cases, yes. However, some scans — particularly those involving contrast or abdominal imaging — may require you to fast beforehand. Your scheduling team will give you specific instructions when you book.
What if I move during the scan?
Movement can blur MRI images. If you move significantly, your technologist may need to repeat part of the scan. If anxiety makes it difficult to stay still, speak with your physician about options before your appointment.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. A friend or family member is welcome to accompany you to your appointment. However, anyone entering the scan room must be screened for metal implants. Your technologist will advise on this when you arrive.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your physician before your MRI is ordered. MRI does not use radiation, but your doctor will evaluate whether imaging is appropriate given your stage of pregnancy.
Where can I get an MRI near Roswell, NM?
AGH serves patients from Roswell at both our Artesia and Carlsbad locations. Our Artesia campus is approximately 35 miles from Roswell. Call 1.855.RAD.EXAM (1.855.723.3926) to schedule.
Where can I get an MRI near Loving, NM or Eddy County?
Our Carlsbad Open MRI & Imaging Center at 1410 N. 8th St., Suite A, Carlsbad, NM is conveniently located for patients throughout Eddy County including Loving and Whites City. Call (575) 628-1234.
Where can I get an MRI near Hope, Loco Hills, or Lake Arthur, NM?
Patients from Hope, Loco Hills, Lake Arthur, and Hagerman can access MRI at our Artesia radiology campus at 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM 88210. Call 1.855.RAD.EXAM (1.855.723.3926).
Schedule Your MRI at AGH — Two Locations Across Southeastern New Mexico
Artesia General Hospital makes high-quality MRI imaging accessible across southeastern New Mexico. Whether you need the high-field precision of our closed MRI in Artesia or the comfort of our open MRI in Carlsbad, our board-certified radiology team is ready to help.
Carlsbad Open MRI & Imaging Center 1410 N. 8th St., Suite A, Carlsbad, NM 88220 | (575) 628-1234 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM AGH Radiology — Artesia Campus 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM 88210 | 1.855.RAD.EXAM (1.855.723.3926) | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM A physician’s referral is required to schedule. Walk-ins welcome for digital X-ray.
Also read: Open MRI vs. Closed MRI — Which Is Right for You?
Medical Disclaimer The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or conditions. Artesia General Hospital makes no representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of information for any specific individual’s medical situation.