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

Pediatric Brain MRI in Tempe, Arizona

Portable Brain MRI for Children Near Tempe, AZ

The Swoop® Portable MR Imaging® System brings brain imaging into the familiar setting of our pediatric neurology office. Families from Tempe 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 Tempe. Our office is approximately 8 miles from Tempe.

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 Tempe and Surrounding Communities

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

📍 22044 N 44th St, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Approximately 12 miles — about 18 minutes from Tempe.

Just about 18 minutes from Tempe, our Phoenix office is a straightforward drive — easy to fit around school, work, or weekend schedules.

Get Directions →

Why Families from Tempe 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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Pediatric Brain MRI in Phoenix for Tempe Families

If your child has been referred for a brain MRI, you're likely navigating a lot of questions right now. Many families in Tempe and the surrounding Maricopa County area face the same decision: whether the 15-20 minute drive to Phoenix is worth it for specialized care. The answer often comes down to who is interpreting the images and managing your child's neurological health. When your pediatrician recommends imaging to investigate headaches, developmental concerns, seizures, or other neurological symptoms, you deserve expertise that goes beyond general radiology.

A pediatric neurologist like Dr. Tamara Zach MD brings specialized training that makes a real difference in how your child's MRI is ordered, performed, and interpreted. General pediatricians are wonderful for well-child care and common illnesses, but when it comes to brain imaging, a pediatric neurologist understands the nuances of child neurology. Dr. Zach knows which sequences are most informative for specific conditions, how to read pediatric brain anatomy that changes with age, and—critically—how findings connect to your child's actual symptoms and development. This expertise often means fewer unnecessary scans, clearer answers, and a concrete plan for your child's care. That level of specialized attention is typically only available through neurology practices, not in general pediatric offices.

We also understand that driving to Phoenix isn't always convenient, and it shouldn't be a barrier to good care. Rose Medical Pavilion is designed to make the visit as straightforward as possible, and many families find that once they have answers and a treatment plan, follow-up care can happen via telehealth. Dr. Zach offers virtual visits for many appointments, which means you won't necessarily need to make the drive every time your child is seen. This hybrid approach lets families get the specialized in-person evaluation and imaging they need while reducing the burden of frequent travel.

If your child has been referred for a brain MRI, or if you're unsure whether your child's symptoms warrant neurological evaluation, we're here to help clarify what your next steps should be. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Zach starts with a straightforward phone call or online form. We'll review your child's history, explain what imaging can and cannot tell us, and make sure you feel confident in your care plan before and after the MRI.

Your child's neurological health matters, and you deserve expert guidance from someone trained specifically in pediatric neurology. Contact Rose Medical Pavilion today to schedule an appointment or speak with our team about whether a pediatric neurology evaluation is right for your child.

In your area: pediatric neurology in Tempe

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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 Tempe family get a same-day brain MRI? ▼

Often yes. Because the scanner is in our own office, approximately 8 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 Tempe 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 →