The present embodiments provide an improved system and method for patient communication during MR procedures. In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system includes a scanner having an opening configured to receive a patient and being operable to perform a magnetic resonance imaging sequence. The system also includes a visual communication device disposed in the opening of the scanner and being operable to capture an image of the patient and transmit the image to circuitry outside of the scanner.
