Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for soft tissues. It produces detail cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain and organs, without the use of ionizing radiation. In addition to orthopedic imaging, MRI is also used for heart, brain and breast. MRI uses gadolinium contrast in many exams to highlight tissues and blood vessels, which enhances images and offers better diagnostic quality. It can also be used in conjunction with PET scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

Price shopping transparency

‘MRI’ is the most-searched medical term among patients seeking cost information

“CT scan” was the third most-searched term among healthcare consumers, and “ultrasound” was No. 4, according to Fair Health. 

profits revenue finance money

Radiology practice SimonMed doubling centers offering full-body MRI scans amid ‘exponential’ demand growth

The private equity-backed provider first launched SimonOne nationwide in summer 2023, capitalizing on increased interest from startup firms and celebrities. 

Ezra

Whole-body MRI startup Ezra raises $21M, eyes 50 new locations in 2024

Supported by AI, Ezra offers a 60-minute, full-body MRI exam for $1,950, allowing patients to seek out health concerns before they surface. 

Accelerated MRI sequence helps radiologists assess heart disease patients without breath-holding

French imaging experts utilized an investigational, free-breathing, short-axis imaging sequence that deployed deep learning to reconstruct images. 

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Patient sues SimonMed Imaging claiming tech injected her with Valium instead of contrast media prior to MRI

Plaintiff attorneys also allege the sedative was administered in an excessive dose, forcing the woman to go back on anti-seizure meds and delay her fertility treatment. 

doors subspecialty specialize

Inconsistent imaging: Radiologists letting personal preferences influence decision-making

There is significant variation from one radiologist to the next in suggesting follow-up head and neck imaging, Harvard experts detailed in AJR

SimonMed

Private equity-backed radiology provider SimonMed opens 6 new imaging centers

New additions balloon the Scottsdale, Arizona-based radiology practice's total number of locations to 170, spanning 11 states. 

Over the Shoulder Shot CT Brain Scan Images

Lower shift volumes lead to significantly fewer errors for neuroradiologists

When case volumes climb to 67-90 studies, error rates were 226% higher than those tackling 19 or fewer cases during their shift, experts reported. 

Around the web

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

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