CAMRI Patient Hub

At CAMRI, we deliver world-class MRI services with advanced imaging technology for clinical diagnosis and care. Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Why Patients Trust
CAMRI for MRI Services

Trusted Experience

With over 20 years of proven experience in clinical and research MRI, CAMRI has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in New Zealand and beyond.

Global Affiliations

As part of the University of Auckland and with international partnerships, CAMRI leverages the latest technology and techniques to provide world-class MRI services.

Professional Expertise

CAMRI's team comprises experienced radiologists, cardiologists, and technologists who bring unparalleled expertise and dedication to every scan.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Accessing state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced post-processing tools, ensuring superior imaging for every need.

Your MRI Journey at CAMRI

From referral to results, we guide you through each step of the process with expert care and clear communication.

Your referral

As a High-Tech Imaging service, a referral needs to come from a Medical Specialist (not a General Practitioner). Your Medical Specialist usually sends your referral directly to us.

Securing an appointment

One of our friendly staff will phone you directly to find a time that suits you. MRI scans frequently require specialist personnel and equipment so may only be available on select days.

Preparing for your scan

Your appointment letter will contain any necessary preparation instructions. Please read all instructions carefully and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call CAMRI on 09 303 5966. If you are pregnant or breast feeding or would like further information on preparation and contrast dye, please see information on our website.

Radiologists review

Our radiologists will review your MRI images and write a report which can take a few days.

Report sent to referrer

The report is sent to the medical specialist who referred you. They will review the results.

Get your results

Your referring medical specialist will contact you if there’s anything to discuss. If there are other medical practitioners that need a copy of the report, or you would like a copy yourself, please contact your referring medical specialist.

Further Information

Preparing For Your Appointment

Preparing For Your Appointment

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Clinical Referrals

Your Medical Specialist will usually send us your referral details. We aim to contact you within 5 working days to find an appointment time that suits you. You can contact us via:

Phone direct:
09 303 5966 (8.30am-4.30pm weekdays) 
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Via email:
mri@auckland.ac.nz

We can accept referrals from NZ medical specialists only.

If you have private health insurance your referral must be from a Private Specialist and we will require your membership number at the time of booking. Please have this handy when we call.

CAMRI is an Affiliated Provider for Southern Cross Healthcare. We will contact Southern Cross and arrange prior approval for your MRI scan. You may need to pay a portion of the fee yourself depending on your insurance plan, but we can advise you of this once approval has been given.

If you need further information or advice about Affiliated Providers or your Healthcare Policy, contact Southern Cross directly on 0800 800 181 or visit their website https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society

CAMRI can also seek pre-approval for NIB insurance on your behalf.

For all other health insurers, CAMRI will provide you with a pre-approval quote for you to take to your health insurer to seek approval.

For Adults

Many types of MRI scans require no preparation. However, some MRI scans require specific preparation (e.g. eating or drinking). Your appointment letter will detail any requirements.
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Continue to take any medication you would normally take, as directed by your doctor. If you are diabetic, please follow the instructions in your appointment letter.
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You will be asked to arrive 15 - 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. Time varies depending on the type of MRI you require.
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If you require contrast to enhance your images, you will be asked to sign a consent form. See here for further information about contrast. ‍

Child Supervision Policy - Because we care about your safety and the safety of your children we have very strict guidelines about supervising children. If a child under the age of 12 years is coming with you to your appointment, a person over the age of 14 must also attend and be able to supervise them.
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Tattoos - Due to the theoretical risk of damaging a healing tattoo, we do not advise MRI imaging within 6 weeks of a new tattoo.
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If you are breastfeeding, please let the booking staff know. You can find further information here.
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If you think you may be pregnant since your scan was booked, please call CAMRI as your MRI may need to be delayed.

Patient Tips

Follow any fasting instructions from your specialist
Remove all jewellery, including earrings and watches. Let the radiologist know if you have any piercings you can’t remove.

For Children

Working alongside our skilled team, the entire MRI experience has been crafted to be an enjoyable and interactive “play” activity, to provide a successful scan for the full-time duration and for children and care givers to understand the processes of the scanner.

For our younger patients our mock scanner is a great way to help them become familiar with the noisy environment of the scanner and to practice keeping perfectly still for the duration of the scan. It is perfect for alleviating any anxiety about their MRI scan visit. 

Please contact us to discuss this further if you think it would assist your child.

Below are two resources for children that you may find helpful to explain an MRI.

MRI Explained by Medkidz (PDF)

Video Source: Nottingham Trent University and Dr Robert Dineen at the University of Nottingham

During Your MRI

The MRI is non-invasive and painless. An MRI scan can take anywhere between 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and your medical history.

Our team will guide you through the procedure step-by-step. Our team will talk to you via a microphone and you can also talk back to them if needed. You may hear instructions about when to hold your breath and when to release it. You will be provided with ear plugs and headphones as the MRI machine makes many different loud sounds. If you think you may be claustrophobic, please speak to one of our staff members. We have options to make the experience as relaxing as possible.

Entertainment

For children we offer entertainment during the scan, either a favourite movie, TV show or audiobook, or listen to music of choice. For some scans requiring breath-holding, then only music is provided. Adults can listen to the music selection of your choice.

After Your MRI

Generally, patients can resume normal activities immediately after an MRI appointment.

Once the scan is complete, the images from your scan will be reviewed by one of our radiologists. The radiologist will prepare a report which we aim to have with your referring doctor within 5 workings days of your scan. For some complex reports it may take slightly longer. Your referring doctor will contact you to discuss the findings once they have reviewed the report.

Parking & Transport

Parking is easy and free for patients. CAMRI is also accessible via a range of bus routes which stop right outside and is a 7-minute walk from Grafton train station.

Click here for parking information

Send Us Your Specialist Referral

Patients can upload or submit their specialist’s referral details here.  A member of our team will confirm your request and assist with scheduling your MRI

Submit Referral

Talk to our team

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about MRI scans, the referral process, and what to expect.

What should I do to prepare for an MRI scan?

You may be asked to fast for a short period of time before your MRI scan. This will depend on the type of MRI scan you have been referred for. You will be advised about this at the time of booking. You may also be asked to remove jewellery or metal objects. Other than that, a safety form will be given to you on your arrival for your scan.

Will I need a contrast agent for my MRI?

In some cases, a contrast agent may be used to provide extra information about your MRI scan. As a patient you would be asked if your referring specialist doctor, reporting consultant radiologist or consultant cardiologist feels it will benefit your results.

Is an MRI scan safe?

Yes, MRI scans are considered safe for most individuals. They do not use ionizing radiation like X-rays or CT scans. However, if you have certain implants or devices, you should inform CAMRI bookings staff and/or your healthcare provider before the scan.

How long does an MRI scan take?

The duration of an MRI scan can vary depending on the type of scan being performed. Generally, an MRI scan can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Your healthcare provider will give you an estimate based on your specific situation.

Are MRI scanners noisy?

Yes, MRI scanners can be a little noisy, however we provide earplugs for the noise and headphones. We can also play music to help distract from the noise.

Still have questions?

Talk to our team

Hear what our
 patients say.

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team. The mock MRI machine and experience is without a doubt the best thing for anxious kids and I'm sure adults too."

Patient

“All very good and easy – in particular having dedicated free parking for MRI patients saved the stress of using the main hospital car park."

Patient

“The nurses were informative and helpful, and the MRI ended up being not as daunting as I first thought.”

Patient

“Got a call in the morning, appointment in the afternoon, easy car parking, helpful friendly staff."

Patient

“The communications prior to the appointment were clear and accurate.”

Patient

“They took the time to ensure that the experience was as comfortable as it could be, balancing clinical professionalism and genuine care very well.”

Patient

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team. The mock MRI machine and experience is without a doubt the best thing for anxious kids and I'm sure adults too."

Patient

“All very good and easy – in particular having dedicated free parking for MRI patients saved the stress of using the main hospital car park."

Patient

“The nurses were informative and helpful, and the MRI ended up being not as daunting as I first thought.”

Patient

“Got a call in the morning, appointment in the afternoon, easy car parking, helpful friendly staff."

Patient

“The communications prior to the appointment were clear and accurate.”

Patient

“They took the time to ensure that the experience was as comfortable as it could be, balancing clinical professionalism and genuine care very well.”

Patient

“Got a call in the morning, appointment in the afternoon, easy car parking, helpful friendly staff."

Patient

“The communications prior to the appointment were clear and accurate.”

Patient

“They took the time to ensure that the experience was as comfortable as it could be, balancing clinical professionalism and genuine care very well.”

Patient

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team. The mock MRI machine and experience is without a doubt the best thing for anxious kids and I'm sure adults too."

Patient

“All very good and easy – in particular having dedicated free parking for MRI patients saved the stress of using the main hospital car park."

Patient

“The nurses were informative and helpful, and the MRI ended up being not as daunting as I first thought.”

Patient

“Got a call in the morning, appointment in the afternoon, easy car parking, helpful friendly staff."

Patient

“The communications prior to the appointment were clear and accurate.”

Patient

“They took the time to ensure that the experience was as comfortable as it could be, balancing clinical professionalism and genuine care very well.”

Patient

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team. The mock MRI machine and experience is without a doubt the best thing for anxious kids and I'm sure adults too."

Patient

“All very good and easy – in particular having dedicated free parking for MRI patients saved the stress of using the main hospital car park."

Patient

“The nurses were informative and helpful, and the MRI ended up being not as daunting as I first thought.”

Patient

CAMRI Patient Hub

Why Patients Trust CAMRI for MRI Services

Trusted Experience

Global Affiliations

Professional Expertise

Cutting-Edge Technology

Your MRI Journey at CAMRI

Your referral

Securing an appointment

Preparing for your scan

Radiologists review

Report sent to referrer

Get your results

Contents

Preparing For Your Appointment

Clinical Referrals

For Adults

Many types of MRI scans require no preparation. However, some MRI scans require specific preparation (e.g. eating or drinking). Your appointment letter will detail any requirements.‍

For Children

Working alongside our skilled team, the entire MRI experience has been crafted to be an enjoyable and interactive “play” activity, to provide a successful scan for the full-time duration and for children and care givers to understand the processes of the scanner.

During Your MRI

The MRI is non-invasive and painless. An MRI scan can take anywhere between 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and your medical history.

Entertainment

After Your MRI

Generally, patients can resume normal activities immediately after an MRI appointment.

Parking & Transport

Send Us Your Specialist Referral

FAQs

Still have questions?

Hear what our patients say.

Our Locations

CAMRI at the University of Auckland

CAMRI at Auckland City Hospital

Where to park

Our Locations

3T Vida Fit scanner

1.5T Avanto scanner

Mock scanner

Begin Your Journey with CAMRI Today

Where to park

Why Patients Trust
CAMRI for MRI Services

Many types of MRI scans require no preparation. However, some MRI scans require specific preparation (e.g. eating or drinking). Your appointment letter will detail any requirements.
‍

Hear what our
 patients say.