Candidacy MRI Review
MRI Review
Find out if you may be a candidate for surgery
Already have an MRI of your neck or back? Send it to Dr. Poelstra for review from home. Within 3–5 business days you receive a personal video message explaining what he sees on your images and whether an in-person visit makes sense.
How it works
From your MRI to a video answer
It starts with a one-minute request. Our team calls you back and walks you through the rest.
- Request a call back
Tap Request a call back, choose Online MRI review and leave your name and phone number. It takes about a minute.
- We call you
A patient care representative calls you, usually within one business day, to answer your questions, go over the $200 fee and set up your review.
- Send your MRI
We send you a secure way to get your MRI images to us. No account needed.
- Watch your video review
Within 3–5 business days, Dr. Poelstra sends a personal video message walking through your images.
- Decide your next step
If you may be a candidate for surgery, you can book an in-person visit in Lakeland. Your $200 is credited toward that visit.
What you will need
- Your MRI images of the neck or back from the last 2 years, on a disc or as files from the imaging center
- The radiology report, if you have it
- A phone number where we can reach you
- A card for the $200 fee when you set up your review
No disc?
Call the imaging center where your MRI was done and ask for a copy of the images on disc or a download link. Most centers can provide one within a few days. A radiology report alone is not enough for the review, and the MRI should be from the last 2 years.
What to expect
What the review is, and what it is not
The review is a screening to help you decide on next steps. It does not replace an in-person evaluation.
Included
- Dr. Poelstra personally reviews your MRI images
- A recorded video message explaining what he sees on your images
- His view on whether you may be a candidate for surgery, and whether an in-person visit makes sense
Not included
- Not a diagnosis, treatment plan or prescription
- Does not make you a patient of the practice
- Any treatment decision is made only after an in-person evaluation in Lakeland
- Not for urgent symptoms or emergencies: call 911
Questions
MRI review: frequently asked questions
What is a candidacy MRI review?
It is a screening review of your existing MRI by Dr. Poelstra to help you understand whether you may be a candidate for spine surgery and whether an in-person visit makes sense. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
The review is $200, paid by card when you set up your review. It is a self-pay service and is not billed to insurance.
Is the $200 credited toward a visit?
Yes. If you book an in-person visit with Dr. Poelstra after your review, the $200 review fee is credited toward that visit.
How recent does my MRI need to be?
Your MRI should be from the last 2 years. Older scans may not show your spine as it is today. If yours is older, call us to schedule an in-person visit instead.
How will I receive my results?
Within 3–5 business days of receiving your images, you will receive an email with a secure link to a personal video message from Dr. Poelstra reviewing your MRI.
What if I do not have my MRI disc?
Ask the imaging center where your MRI was done for a copy on disc or a download link of the images. A report alone is not enough for the review; we need the images.
Can I get a refund?
If your images cannot be read and you are unable to send usable images, or your MRI is not of the neck or back, your fee is refunded in full. Once your video review has been recorded, the fee is non-refundable.
Does the review make me a patient?
No. The review is a screening only. You become a patient, and any diagnosis or treatment decision is made, only after an in-person evaluation.
Who can use this service?
Adults 18 and older with an MRI of the neck or back. The online review is not available to patients located in Utah. For urgent symptoms such as new weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
$200, credited toward your visit · Video in 3–5 business days