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Prostate MRI: A clearer picture of what PSA alone can’t show

AI-enhanced prostate MRI with subspecialty radiologist interpretation to identify suspicious areas and help guide next steps

Call to schedule 1-866-614-8555

Advanced imaging that lets your doctor see the prostate directly

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What is a prostate MRI?

A prostate MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of prostate tissue. While a PSA blood test measures an indirect signal, MRI allows a radiologist to evaluate the size, structure and specific areas of the prostate for findings that may warrant further evaluation.

SimonMed offers advanced prostate MRI interpreted by subspecialty-trained radiologists, with AI-supported analysis to help identify and characterize suspicious areas and standardized PI-RADS reporting to support clear next-step guidance. Depending on the reason for your exam and your clinical history, your prostate MRI may be performed with or without IV contrast. Your imaging team will use the appropriate protocol to provide the information your referring provider needs.

  • No radiation
  • Advanced prostate imaging tailored to the clinical indication
  • AI-supported analysis with subspecialty radiologist interpretation
  • PI-RADS structured reporting
  • Structured findings to help guide next steps
  • Contrast may or may not be used depending on the exam ordered

PSA measures a signal. MRI lets your doctor see more.

PSA remains a valuable tool — but it has limitations. Used alongside PSA, prostate MRI may provide a more complete picture for men who may benefit from additional evaluation.

PSA blood test

PSA is a protein produced by prostate tissue. Elevated PSA can signal that something deserves further evaluation — but it doesn’t directly detect cancer, and it can be elevated by benign causes like prostate enlargement or inflammation.

  1. Does not directly visualize prostate tissue
  2. Can be elevated without cancer present
  3. Cancer can occur at relatively low PSA levels
  4. Widely available; established risk-stratification tool

    Prostate MRI

    Prostate MRI creates detailed images of prostate tissue, allowing radiologists to identify and characterize suspicious areas that may warrant further evaluation.

    1. Directly visualizes prostate tissue and suspicious areas
    2. Can identify suspicious findings that PSA alone may not reveal
    3. Helps inform more targeted biopsy decisions
    4. PI-RADS scoring guides next-step clinical decisions

    1 in 8

    Men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime

    No radiation

    Prostate MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves

    PI-RADS

    Standardized scoring system supports consistent, actionable reporting

    Is a Prostate MRI right for you?

    Prostate MRI isn’t appropriate for every man. Whether MRI is right for you depends on your PSA history, symptoms, family history, individual risk factors, prior testing and your clinician’s guidance.

    1. Men with rising or borderline PSA who need additional evaluation before a decision about biopsy
    2. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other elevated risk factors seeking additional information
    3. Men with a previous negative biopsy where clinical concern remains and additional evaluation is warranted
    4. Men seeking more complete information about prostate health alongside or after PSA testing

    A clear, comfortable exam with expert interpretation

    During your prostate MRI, you’ll lie comfortably on a padded table while the MRI system captures detailed images of the prostate. The exam is noninvasive and uses no radiation. Depending on the reason for your exam and the protocol ordered, IV contrast may or may not be used. Most prostate MRI appointments are completed in about 30 minutes.

    Your images are reviewed by a board-certified, subspecialty-trained radiologist using structured PI-RADS reporting — providing your doctor with a clear, actionable summary of findings and recommended next steps.

    Advanced prostate MRI

    Advanced prostate MRI

    Detailed T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging helps characterize prostate tissue and identify suspicious areas. Additional sequences, including contrast-enhanced imaging, may be used when clinically appropriate.
    About 30 minutes

    About 30 minutes

    A comprehensive prostate MRI at SimonMed is typically completed in about 30 minutes, with no recovery time needed afterward.
    PI-RADS structured reporting

    PI-RADS structured reporting

    Results are scored using the standardized PI-RADS system, giving your referring provider a clear framework for next-step decision-making.

    Have questions? 
    Get answers

    Yes. A healthcare provider’s order is required to schedule a prostate MRI at SimonMed. This ensures the scan is clinically appropriate and that your results can be properly reviewed and acted upon as part of your care. Once you have an order, call us at 1-844-615-2957.

    Yes. Research, including the ReIMAGINE study, has found that clinically significant prostate cancers can occur in men with PSA levels below thresholds that might ordinarily prompt additional evaluation. PSA provides important information about risk, but a lower PSA does not rule out prostate cancer.

    A PSA blood test measures a protein produced by prostate tissue — it’s an indirect marker that can signal a need for further evaluation. A prostate MRI directly images prostate tissue, allowing a subspecialty radiologist to evaluate its structure and identify suspicious areas that may warrant closer attention or biopsy.

    Not necessarily. MRI findings are scored using the PI-RADS system, which provides a standardized assessment of how suspicious an area appears. Lower-scoring findings may be monitored, while higher-scoring findings may lead your healthcare provider to recommend additional evaluation or biopsy.

    No. Prostate MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves and does not use ionizing radiation.

    Not always. Depending on the reason for your exam and the protocol ordered, your prostate MRI may be performed with or without IV contrast. Your imaging team will let you know what your specific exam involves.

    Most prostate MRI appointments at SimonMed are completed in about 30 minutes. There is no recovery time needed, and you can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.

    Your images are reviewed by a board-certified, subspecialty-trained radiologist using structured PI-RADS reporting. The report is sent to your referring provider, who will review the findings with you and discuss appropriate next steps.

    Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan, clinical indication, and your provider’s order. Contact us at 1-844-615-2957 and our team can help clarify coverage and discuss self-pay options.

    PSA provides important information about prostate cancer risk, but it does not directly visualize the prostate. MRI can provide additional information by showing suspicious areas within prostate tissue and can help guide decisions about further evaluation or biopsy.

    Older man in a blue jacket standing outdoors, looking to the side with trees and open sky behind him.

    How to schedule your prostate MRI

    Once you have an order from your healthcare provider, scheduling is straightforward. Our team will walk you through what to bring, what to expect, and how to prepare for your visit.

    Call to schedule 1-866-614-8555

    Additional imaging services

    MRI

    Advanced magnetic resonance imaging across all major body systems, read by subspecialty-trained radiologists.

    Whole-Body MRI

    A comprehensive, head-to-pelvis MRI scan designed for proactive health screening.

    CT Scan

    Fast, detailed cross-sectional imaging for a wide range of diagnostic needs, with same-day availability at many locations.

    Enhanced Screening

    SimonMed’s most comprehensive longevity screening, combining whole-body MRI with advanced labs, body composition, and more.