Abstract: An implanted medical device is prepared for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan by being programmed into an MRI mode when deemed appropriate by an external device implementing an MRI mode control application. An MRI technologist or other user may use the external device to screen the patient and implanted medical device for the MRI scan and enable the MRI mode at the implanted medical device when it is deemed appropriate in the MRI mode control application. Therapy parameters for the MRI mode may be determined on the basis of information about the device and patient, and those therapy parameters may be programmed into the implanted medical device upon enabling the MRI mode. The MRI technologist or other user may use the external device to disable the MRI mode and return to normal operation once the MRI scan is complete.