Concierge imaging · London
Open & upright MRI in London, no tunnel, no panic.
An open-sided scanner for severe claustrophobia - and an upright option that images your spine under load. We know the few London clinics that offer them, and we match you to the right one.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We know the few clinics
True open and upright scanners are rare - we know exactly where they are.
- 02
Honest about trade-offs
If a closed scanner would answer your question better, we say so.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What an open or upright MRI costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A single-region open scan in our network: £400-£700, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open MRI (single region) | £400–£700 | 30–60 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Upright / weight-bearing MRI | £450–£850 | 30–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Open MRI with contrast | £550–£950 | 45–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Two regions | £650–£1,100 | 60–90 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Paediatric open MRI | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
| Second-opinion read (existing scan) | £250–£450 | Report only | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, whether the scan is open or upright, and whether gadolinium contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
When even a wide tunnel is too much.
For severe claustrophobia, an open-sided scanner with no tunnel changes everything. And for back pain that only bites when you stand, an upright scan shows what a lying-down one cannot. We know where to send you - and where not to.
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Panic in a scanner?
An open design removes the tunnel entirely. We book you into a genuine open MRI.
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Back pain when upright?
An upright, weight-bearing scan can reveal what a standard scan misses.
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Worried about image quality?
Open scanners trade some sharpness - we tell you honestly when a closed scanner is better.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One concierge from first message to report - usually inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
An open or upright scan takes about 30-60 minutes. There is no tunnel over you, and for upright studies you are imaged sitting or standing.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When open or upright is the right choice.
Open and upright MRI solves specific problems - comfort and position. Here is when it is the right call, and the honest limits.
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Severe claustrophobia
An open-sided design means no enclosed tunnel - the most reassuring option.
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Weight-bearing imaging
Upright MRI images the spine under load, showing problems that hide when lying down.
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Positional back pain
Useful when symptoms only appear while sitting or standing.
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Children & anxious patients
The open design and a parent nearby make scans far easier.
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Past bad experiences
A good fit if a standard scanner has caused panic before.
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Everyday scans too
Open MRI covers many routine examinations.
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Some limits to know
Open and upright scanners are often lower field, so not ideal for every question.
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We match you carefully
We balance comfort against image quality and route you to the right clinic.
Open, upright & the trade-offs
How open and upright MRI actually differ.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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A truly open design
Open sides rather than a tunnel - the reassuring choice for severe claustrophobia.
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Upright / weight-bearing
Scans you sitting or standing, to show problems that only appear under load.
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Field-strength trade-off
Often lower field than a closed scanner, so detail can be a little less sharp.
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Best uses
Spine, larger joints and reassurance-first scans work well.
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Not for everything
For fine brain, prostate or small-joint detail, a closed 3T is usually better.
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Limited availability
Fewer clinics offer true open or upright MRI - we know where.
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Comfort first
Space, light and a companion nearby make the scan calm.
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When wide-bore is enough
If space is the only issue, a wide-bore scanner may image better.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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Genuine open-sided or upright MRI scanners
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Reported by a consultant radiologist
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A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
The honest check here is image quality: open and upright scanners are lower field, so for fine detail we may steer you to a closed scanner. We explain before you book.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.
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Cochlear implants
Case-by-case. We confirm with the device manufacturer.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Joint replacements, stents, plates
Almost always fine. May cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Image-quality trade-off
Open and upright scanners are often lower field. For fine detail we may advise a closed scanner instead.
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Weight and size
Open designs suit larger patients well. We confirm the clinic’s limits.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
Reading your report
A report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Open, upright or closed, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and that it was done on an open or upright scanner.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used, and whether you were imaged lying, sitting or standing.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the region imaged, including how position affected the findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about open and upright MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is an open MRI?
A scanner that is open at the sides rather than a closed tunnel. It is the most reassuring option for people with severe claustrophobia.
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Is an open MRI completely open?
The best designs are open on multiple sides, with no tunnel over you. There is a magnet above and below, but nothing enclosing your face.
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Is the image as good as a closed scanner?
Open and upright scanners are often lower field strength, so fine detail can be slightly less sharp. For most everyday questions they are excellent; for fine brain, prostate or small-joint detail we may advise a closed 3T instead.
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What is an upright MRI?
An open scanner that images you sitting or standing, so the spine is under load. It can reveal positional problems that disappear when you lie down.
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Is it good for claustrophobia?
Yes - it is the best choice when even a wide-bore tunnel feels too enclosed. We can also add music, an eye mask or a mild sedative.
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Can children have an open MRI?
Yes - the open design and a parent nearby make it much easier for children. We route paediatric scans to the right clinic.
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Can it do weight-bearing spine imaging?
Yes - an upright scanner is ideal for back pain that only appears when sitting or standing.
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How much does it cost and is it easy to book?
An open scan is typically £400-£700 in our network - a little more than a standard scan, and offered at fewer clinics. We know where to go and confirm a firm figure quickly.
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Do I need a referral?
Most scans accept self-referral. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if a letter or contrast study is needed.
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How quickly will I get results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or specialist.