MRI

MRI

Heywood Healthcare and Shields Health have expanded our imaging partnership to include MRI services, beginning on April 18th. An exciting first for the region, we’re debuting a brand new, 1.5T open-bore MRI machine, featuring artificial intelligence! The new open-bore MRI will provide faster, higher quality images and can accommodate patients up to 500 pounds. The wide opening will provide patients with greater comfort and two way speakers provide ongoing communication to help ease patient anxiety. Shields Health shares our commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care and together we are thrilled to bring this new, advanced MRI technology to Heywood Hospital.

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems allow medical professionals to “see” the inside of the body. With MRI images, physicians can easily identify areas of treatment, track progress and rule out serious problems with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. An MRI scan involves no surgery, no radiation and no hospitalization, and it has no known side effects.

Preparing for Your MRI
Please plan on arriving at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for insurance paperwork and patient screening with an MRI technologist. Please bring any prior exam images and lab work to your appointment.

A few things can ensure your safety and comfort in the MRI environment:
We ask all patients to change into a hospital gown for their MRI. When possible, leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Remove any patch medications or any external mechanical devices, or let us know if you’ve been medically instructed not to.

During the MRI Exam
Once in the exam room, you’ll recline comfortably on a cushioned table and your exam will begin. Depending on what information your doctor needs, your MRI scan may require the use of an intravenously injected contrast, which will show certain structures in your body. If prescribed, this contrast will be administered by a specially trained technologist. You will be in constant communication with your technologist throughout the entire exam. As the MRI scanner obtains each series of images, you will hear persistent buzzing and thumping noises, but at no time should you experience any physical sensation or discomfort. You may wear earplugs or listen to music during your exam if you wish.
During the exam, all you have to do is lie still and follow the technologist’s instructions. MRI is very sensitive to motion. Even the slightest movement can distort the image and limit its diagnostic value. It is important that you remain as still as possible during your scan. Most MRI exams last 20 to 40 minutes, although some can last up to an hour. After your MRI, you may resume other daily activities.

Obtaining Your Results
All MRI images are interpreted by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in reading MRI images. Within a few days of your exam, the radiologist will contact your physician with the results of your study. Your physician will then contact you to discuss your results and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Your physician is the only person authorized to discuss your results with you.

Advanced MRI Technology
1.5T open-bore MRI: Our 1.5T high-field open-bore MRI machine is faster than lower-strength machines and can produce higher-quality images. The machine can accommodate patients up to 500 pounds and offers a comfortable, wide opening that helps ease patient anxiety. Artificial intelligence: We’re taking the MRI experience to the next level through the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI technology is integrated into the MRI and works in the background, reducing noise and artifacts to deliver consistently clearer, crisper images – in significantly less time. AI is able to dramatically improve the results of orthopedic, neurologic and prostate exams, all while reducing the
amount of time in the scanner.

Our MRI machine includes the following features:

• Weight allowance of up to 500 pounds
• Two-way speakers for ongoing communication with your technologist
• Comfortable mattress with head support
• Faster scan times than lower-strength MRI machines

MRI services provided at Heywood Hospital include:

• Brain/Head
• Spine
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Upper and Lower Extremities
• MR Angiography

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.