MRI after breast implants - Who orders them?

Manufacturers recommend serial MRI surveillance (5 years and every 2-3 years there after).

The question of who is coordinating surveillance will vary.

I tend to manage my patient's surveillance. However, anyone is capable of ordering the necessary imaging.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Thanks for your question!
Usually your plastic surgeon will order the MRI. Reach out to your surgeon and he or she can guide you on when the best time to have the MRI is. Best wishes!

Any doctor can order an MRI. However if you want insurance to cover it, your primary care doctor may need to authorize it depending on your insurance plan.

Your surgeon, PCP or gynecologist can order an MRI but the main question is why you are wanting one. The physician who orders it will need to state the diagnosis, will receive the results and will be the one responsible for discussing them with you.

Any physician can order an MRI. If you want insurance to cover the cost, you will need to start with a mammogram or ultrasound, and have the radiologist request an MRI. Just to check implants, do the ultrasound or mammogram.

I think the answer to your question is pretty straightforward.
Plastic surgeons are responsible for the follow up regarding issues related to plastic surgery.
Primary care doctors and obstetricians no very little about breast implantation postoperative issues and it is not their responsibility to do follow up care after plastic surgery procedures.
If you have questions or concerns after a plastic surgery operation, I suggest discussing those with your provider.
If your provider is not available and seek second opinion, consultations from other plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD