Wilmington, NC – EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region, southeastern North Carolina’s leading provider of comprehensive orthopedic care, is thrilled to announce the addition of the cutting-edge 1.5T GE Signa Voyager Wide Bore Mobile MRI Unit to its suite of state-of-the-art diagnostic services for musculoskeletal care. This pioneering technology, combined with GE Healthcare’s AIR Recon DL software and new AIR Coil technology, emphasizes the practice’s commitment to elevating patient care through innovation and excellence.
The 1.5T GE Signa Voyager Wide Bore Mobile MRI offers an unparalleled experience for patients, boasting several major improvements that help to prioritize comfort. This advanced MRI system is not only more spacious, but also enhanced by AIR Recon DL, GE Healthcare’s deep-learning-based image reconstruction software. With this new technology, image quality significantly increases and each scan takes only one-third of the time on average. For example, a knee scan may only take seven minutes versus 20 minutes on older software. These enhancements are particularly vital for musculoskeletal (MSK) and spinal MRI exams, traditionally known for their lengthy duration. While a quicker scan time is more appealing to anyone on-the-go, it is especially meaningful for patients with anxiety about the procedure, pediatric patients, or those experiencing pain.
Adding to these advancements, new AIR Coil technology enhances patient comfort during scans. The AIR Coil is wrapped around the anatomy of interest, such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, hip and ankle. This allows for more flexible and adaptable positioning of the body, creating a more personalized experience for each patient. Patients may also choose to listen to music during the scan, or choose earplugs to minimize noise from the MRI.
The 1.5T GE Signa Voyager Wide Bore Mobile MRI Unit also has an increased weight limit of up to 550 pounds, a capability not previously available within the MRI program, which enables more residents to access essential diagnostic services within their local communities.
The 1.5T GE Signa Voyager Wide Bore Mobile MRI Unit with AIR Coil technology.
EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region continues to build upon the delivery of care to patients by investing in technologies that better serve patient access to high-quality care. Imaging Manager Stephanie Rackley, RT(R), who is helping to implement and coordinate the new MRI technology into the suite of MRI services, emphasizes, “If we have the ability to alleviate anxiety by enhancing overall comfort, offer shorter scan times, and improve image quality with quicker scans tailored for pediatric patients or those in significant pain, we can provide a more positive patient experience, while upholding accurate and efficient diagnostic results.”
The new MRI unit will be available at four EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region locations, including Wilmington’s Porters Neck and Shipyard Boulevard locations, as well as in Leland and Shallotte. Appointments are now being taken for the service, which begins December 2, 2024.
As an independent private practice, EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region offers this high-quality MRI technology at a reduced cost compared to traditional, hospital-based imaging departments. Additionally, EmergeOrtho simplifies billing by providing one comprehensive bill that includes both the professional fee and the technical fee, unlike other imaging centers which often bill these separately. There are multiple payment options including CareCredit, HRA, and HSA, along with a discounted rate for full cash payments. Patients may select from self-pay or insurance processing depending on their needs and plans. These options ensure broader accessibility and affordability for EmergeOrtho patients, reinforcing the practice’s dedication to patient-centric care while providing the highest quality of services.
Beyond serving internal patients, the MRI Imaging Program at EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region welcomes outside referrals, providing these innovative services to the wider community. Our comprehensive MRI offerings significantly enhance access to quality imaging services at lower costs, making indispensable MRI diagnostics more accessible to those in need across southeastern North Carolina.
For further information or to schedule an MRI appointment, please contact EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region at 910.332.3800.
ABOUT EMERGEORTHO – COASTAL REGION
EmergeOrtho of the Coastal Region includes an unparalleled medical team of more than 145 highly trained orthopedic surgeons and physicians, advanced practice providers, physical and occupational therapists, and a staff of over 550 employees, all dedicated to delivering the highest level of orthopedic and spine care at a lower cost for patients.
An independent, physician-owned practice, EmergeOrtho offers comprehensive care that ranges from doctor visits to physical and occupational therapy, and from accredited diagnostic imaging to advanced surgery. Many locations also offer same-day appointments and orthopedic urgent care, as well as onsite MRI services.
Within the practice, experienced experts specialize in: spine, sports medicine, joint replacement and reconstruction, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, podiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), orthopedic trauma and pain management.
The name EmergeOrtho describes the practice’s dedication to helping patients emerge from injury or illness… stronger, healthier, and better. EmergeOrtho’s core values of quality, innovation, compassion, diversity & inclusion, education, integrity, teamwork and community shape the organization’s culture.
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