Portable Brain MRI for Children Near Flagstaff, AZ
The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System brings brain imaging into the familiar setting of our pediatric neurology office. Families from Flagstaff may be able to avoid a separate trip to an imaging facility when a Swoop scan is appropriate: Dr. Tamara Zach MD scans, reads and discusses the images in the same visit, a short drive from Flagstaff. Our office is approximately 147 miles from Flagstaff.
Meet the Swoop® System
The Swoop® system is a portable, ultra-low-field MRI device that produces images of the internal structures of the head. When interpreted by a trained physician, those images can provide information useful in determining a diagnosis.
When a Brain MRI May Help
Brain MRI can provide detailed images of brain structures without ionizing radiation. Dr. Zach considers your child's history, examination and clinical needs when determining whether imaging may add value.
Most insurance plans cover Swoop® brain MRI scans.* For families who prefer to pay out of pocket, Rose Medical Pavilion also offers a $350 self-pay option with no insurance paperwork or prior authorization required.
Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) Schedule onlineWhat to Expect
A straightforward scan of 30 to 40 minutes, in three steps.
*Insurance coverage and patient responsibility vary by plan. Same-day appointments are subject to availability, clinical appropriateness, a physician's order, and required safety screening. Brain MRI is ordered when it is clinically appropriate; Dr. Zach considers each child's history, examination and clinical needs when determining whether imaging may add value.
Serving Flagstaff and Surrounding Communities
Rose Medical Pavilion is proud to serve pediatric neurology patients from Flagstaff and the surrounding Coconino County communities, including Williams, Page. We understand that traveling to a specialist can be challenging for families, and we strive to make every visit as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Why Families from Flagstaff Choose to Make the Drive
- Fellowship-trained specialist — Dr. Tamara Zach MD completed specialized pediatric neurology training beyond general pediatrics, offering a level of expertise that isn't available at most local clinics.
- Answers in one visit — We also coordinate closely with your local pediatrician so follow-up care can happen closer to home.
- In-office EEG testing — No need to coordinate separate testing facilities. EEG studies can often be completed the same day as your consultation.
- Flexible scheduling — We work around school and work calendars, including early morning appointments.
- Statewide reach — We proudly serve families from across Arizona. You are not too far.
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Brain MRI for Flagstaff Children: When the Drive to Phoenix Makes Sense
If your child needs a pediatric brain MRI, you've likely already noticed that Coconino County has limited options for specialized neuroimaging. For families in Flagstaff and the surrounding Northern Arizona communities, that often means a 147-mile drive to Phoenix for the procedure itself. Parents naturally ask: is it really necessary to make that trip? The answer depends on what your child needs, but for many families, the answer is yes—and here's why it matters.
A pediatric brain MRI is not just a scan; it's a medical conversation that starts before your child enters the machine and continues long after. Dr. Tamara Zach MD, a board-certified pediatric neurologist at Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, brings specialized training that makes a real difference. Where a general pediatrician or radiologist might order an MRI as a standard test, a pediatric neurologist interprets what the images mean in the context of your child's specific symptoms, development, and neurological exam. Dr. Zach understands how to position young children to get the clearest images, how to recognize findings that matter versus incidental discoveries that don't, and most importantly, how to explain results in a way that helps you understand next steps. That expertise—combined with state-of-the-art imaging equipment at Rose Medical Pavilion—is concentrated in Phoenix, not Flagstaff.
The good news is that you won't necessarily need to make the drive multiple times. Your initial consultation with Dr. Zach will include a thorough neurological history and exam, which informs the MRI protocol and helps ensure the scan answers the right questions. After the imaging is complete and results are available, many follow-up visits and medication management can happen via secure telehealth. This means you can discuss findings, adjust care plans, and stay connected without spending an entire day on I-17 each time your child needs support.
Families from Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, and the Colorado Plateau region regularly make this drive because specialized pediatric neurology care isn't available locally—and because it changes the outcome. Whether your child is being evaluated for headaches, developmental concerns, seizures, or an abnormal finding on imaging elsewhere, having a pediatric neurologist who knows your child's history and can coordinate all aspects of care makes the trip worthwhile.
If you're considering whether an MRI is right for your child, or if another provider has recommended one, we'd like to help. Contact Rose Medical Pavilion to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Zach. We'll answer your questions about the process, the drive, and what to expect—and we'll work with you to make it as convenient as possible.
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