Open and Upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans 

This policy covers requests for open or upright MRI scans for patients with claustrophobia and/or obesity. This does not apply to open/ upright MRI scans required for medical emergencies, or for patients undergoing investigation for cancer.

Clinical policies help make sure that NHS treatments are safe, effective, and based on the best available medical evidence. They also help us use NHS resources fairly and responsibly, so care is provided where it will bring the most benefit to patients.

Policy Status

This policy has been harmonised and applies to all patients who are registered with a GP in the Central East ICB area.

This is a criteria‑based access policy. This means the treatment is only offered if certain medical criteria are met. Please see the policy document for full details. 

Policy Document

Please read the policy document below for further information about the scope of this policy, the cohort of patients it covers and the clinical circumstances in which the ICB will or will not fund the treatment. 

Central East ICB Clinical Policy – Open and Upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans v1.0 (169kB pdf)