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

Pediatric Brain MRI in Glendale, Arizona

Portable Brain MRI for Children Near Glendale, AZ

The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System brings brain imaging into the familiar setting of our pediatric neurology office. Families from Glendale 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 Glendale. Our office is approximately 10 miles from Glendale.

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 Glendale and Surrounding Communities

Rose Medical Pavilion is proud to serve pediatric neurology patients from Glendale and the surrounding Maricopa County communities, including Phoenix, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale. 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 Glendale

📍 22044 N 44th St, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Approximately 20 miles — about 26 minutes from Glendale.

Just about 26 minutes from Glendale, our Phoenix office is a straightforward drive — easy to fit around school, work, or weekend schedules.

Get Directions →

Why Families from Glendale 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.

Brain MRI Care for Glendale Children: Why the Phoenix Drive Makes Sense

If you're a parent in Glendale with a child who needs a brain MRI, you've likely wondered whether it's worth the 18-mile drive into Phoenix. Maricopa County families often face this question when their pediatrician recommends specialized neurological imaging. The answer depends on what your child needs, but for pediatric brain MRI and interpretation by a board-certified pediatric neurologist, the trip to Rose Medical Pavilion is frequently the right choice. Dr. Tamara Zach MD and her team have the specific expertise and equipment that makes a real difference in both the quality of imaging and what happens after.

Here's what many Glendale parents don't realize: a pediatric neurologist sees brain imaging completely differently than a general pediatrician or even a general radiologist. Your child's brain is still developing, which means the way neurologists interpret MRI scans changes based on age, growth patterns, and neurological development. Pediatric neurologists like Dr. Zach train specifically to recognize what's normal for a developing brain versus what requires attention. They also understand the full clinical picture - why the MRI was ordered in the first place - which helps them give families clear answers rather than generic reports. When your child has questions about seizures, headaches, developmental delays, movement concerns, or other neurological symptoms, having someone who specializes in pediatric neurology review the images makes the difference between reassurance and actionable next steps.

We understand that driving from Glendale to Phoenix adds time and stress to an already worrying situation. That's why we've built flexibility into our follow-up care. After your child's initial MRI and consultation with Dr. Zach, many families are able to manage ongoing care through telehealth appointments. This means you don't have to make the drive every time your child needs a check-in or medication adjustment. Some families come in for the imaging and initial visit, then handle follow-ups by video from home. This approach keeps your child's care coordinated with a pediatric neurologist while respecting your family's time and schedule.

The families we see at Rose Medical Pavilion come from all over the Phoenix metro area because they want imaging done right the first time and expert interpretation they can trust. Pediatric brain MRI isn't something you want to repeat because the first scan wasn't clear or complete, or because the interpretation didn't address your real concerns. Bringing your child to Dr. Zach means getting pediatric neurology expertise from the start.

If your pediatrician has recommended a brain MRI for your child, or if you'd like to discuss whether your child's symptoms warrant imaging, we're here to help. Contact Rose Medical Pavilion to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zach and learn more about what a pediatric neurology evaluation includes. We're glad to answer your questions about the process, what to expect, and how we can support your family.

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 Glendale family get a same-day brain MRI? ▼

Often yes. Because the scanner is in our own office, approximately 10 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.