Portable Brain MRI for Children Near Pinetop Lakeside, AZ
The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System brings brain imaging into the familiar setting of our pediatric neurology office. Families from Pinetop Lakeside 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 Pinetop Lakeside. Our office is approximately 185 miles from Pinetop Lakeside.
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.
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 Pinetop-Lakeside and Surrounding Communities
Rose Medical Pavilion is proud to serve pediatric neurology patients from Pinetop-Lakeside and the surrounding Navajo County communities, including Show Low, Winslow, Holbrook, Snowflake. 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 Lakeside
đź“Ť 22044 N 44th St, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Approximately 175 miles — about 2.5 hours from Lakeside.
We know about 2.5 hours from Lakeside is a meaningful commitment, and we take that seriously. That's why we structure appointments to be comprehensive — so families leave with a complete evaluation, clear diagnosis when possible, and a full care plan in a single visit.
Why Families from Lakeside 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.
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 Pinetop Lakeside family get a same-day brain MRI? ▼
Often yes. Because the scanner is in our own office, approximately 185 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.
