Dr. Tamara Zach MD
Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
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Portable Brain MRI in Gilbert, AZ

Pediatric Brain MRI in Gilbert, Arizona

Portable Brain MRI for Children Near Gilbert, AZ

The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System brings brain imaging into the familiar setting of our pediatric neurology office. Families from Gilbert 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 Gilbert. Our office is approximately 20 miles from Gilbert.

No ionizing radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves
On site at our clinic
Scanned where care is already coordinated
Patients of all ages
FDA cleared, including babies
A parent stays close
Open design, room to stay beside your child

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.

01
Open and family-centered
Your child lies on a comfortable bed with their head positioned inside the scanner. A parent or caregiver can remain nearby throughout the scan.
02
Quieter than conventional MRI
The system's lower acoustic noise and open design may help make the experience feel less intimidating.
03
Convenient, on-site imaging
Flexible appointments, a simple safety screening, and brain imaging in the same practice where your child's neurological care is coordinated.

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.

01
Headaches
Evaluating unexplained headaches or migraines when symptoms or examination findings warrant a closer look.
02
Neurological symptoms
Investigating symptoms such as seizures, dizziness, weakness, visual changes, or abnormal neurological findings.
03
Sports screening
Selected sports-related screening or follow-up when recommended based on an athlete's history and clinical needs.
04
Shunt checks
Checking ventricular size in patients with a shunt when clinically appropriate and ordered by their physician.
Self-pay
$350
Brain MRI
Same-day appointments available

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 online

What to Expect

A straightforward scan of 30 to 40 minutes, in three steps.

01
Prepare
Tell us about any implants, devices or metal. Safety screening before the scan is the same precaution taken for any MRI.
02
Scan
A 30 to 40 minute scan with your child lying still. You can stay beside them for the whole appointment.
03
Review
Dr. Zach reviews the images and discusses what they show with you, in the same visit rather than at a later follow-up.

*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 Gilbert and Surrounding Communities

Rose Medical Pavilion is proud to serve pediatric neurology patients from Gilbert and the surrounding Maricopa County communities, including Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Tempe. 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.

Getting to Our Office from Gilbert

📍 22044 N 44th St, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Approximately 24 miles — about 28 minutes from Gilbert.

Just about 28 minutes from Gilbert, our Phoenix office is a straightforward drive — easy to fit around school, work, or weekend schedules.

Get Directions →

Why Families from Gilbert 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 — Most families from the area make the drive in a single appointment and leave with a clear care plan.
  • 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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Many families in Gilbert and the surrounding Maricopa County area find themselves facing the same question when their child needs a brain MRI: should we drive the 20 miles into Phoenix, or look for imaging closer to home? If your pediatrician has recommended a pediatric neurologist evaluate your child, you're probably wondering whether the trip is really necessary. The short answer is yes—but not in the way you might think. It's not about the drive itself; it's about getting the right specialist looking at your child's brain imaging from the very beginning.

When a child needs a brain MRI, the imaging is only part of the story. Your pediatrician can order the scan, but interpreting it and understanding what it means for your child's specific symptoms requires specialized training. Dr. Tamara Zach MD is a board-certified pediatric neurologist, which means she has completed additional years of fellowship training specifically focused on children's neurological conditions. This matters because a child's brain, development, and the conditions that affect it are fundamentally different from adults. A pediatric neurologist knows what findings are concerning and which are normal variations in a developing brain. She also understands how these findings connect to your child's actual symptoms—headaches, seizures, developmental delays, movement disorders, or behavioral changes. Having the right specialist review your child's MRI from the start can prevent misinterpretation, unnecessary follow-up scans, or missed diagnoses.

Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix offers pediatric brain MRI in a setting designed specifically for children. Many imaging centers are set up for adults, which can make the experience stressful for a young patient. Pediatric imaging centers understand that children may need sedation, shorter appointment times, and a calmer environment. Dr. Zach works directly with the imaging team to ensure your child gets the scan they need in the most comfortable way possible, and then provides the expert interpretation your family deserves.

We also understand that not every follow-up visit requires you to drive to Phoenix. After your child's initial evaluation and imaging, many families use telehealth appointments with Dr. Zach to discuss results, adjust treatment plans, or answer questions from the comfort of your home in Gilbert. This means you get the specialist care your child needs without the drive every single time. Many families find that one trip for the initial evaluation and imaging is worth it knowing they can follow up more easily from home.

If your child's pediatrician has recommended a pediatric neurologist evaluation or a brain MRI, we're here to help. Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Zach at Rose Medical Pavilion is straightforward, and our team can answer any questions about the imaging process or what to expect. Your child's neurological health deserves expert care—let's get started.

In your area: pediatric neurology in Gilbert

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Swoop® portable MRI? ▼

The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System is an ultra-low-field MRI made by Hyperfine, Inc. that operates inside a clinical office rather than a hospital imaging suite. It produces images of the internal structures of the head with no ionizing radiation, and it is FDA cleared for patients of all ages, including babies. Dr. Tamara Zach MD performs the scan and reviews the images herself.

Does my child need sedation for a portable MRI? ▼

Generally no. The open design and lower acoustic noise may help make the scan feel less intimidating, and a parent or caregiver can remain beside your child throughout. Whether sedation is needed is decided case by case with Dr. Zach, as it would be for any MRI.

How much does a brain MRI cost at Rose Medical Pavilion? ▼

Self-pay is $350 with no insurance paperwork required. Most insurance plans cover Swoop® brain MRI scans.* Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) and our team will confirm what applies to your family before the appointment.

Can a Gilbert family get a same-day brain MRI? ▼

Often yes. Because the scanner is in our own office, approximately 20 miles away, we are not waiting on a hospital imaging slot, and same-day scans are available subject to clinical appropriateness and safety screening. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) to ask about today's availability.

Is a portable brain MRI safe for babies and young children? ▼

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than radiation, and the Swoop® system is FDA cleared for all ages including newborns. Safety screening before the scan checks for metal implants or devices, which is the same precaution taken for any MRI.

Schedule a Consultation

If your child in Gilbert is showing signs of brain MRI, don't wait. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule an appointment online today.

Schedule Online →