MRI

Choice Imaging located in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a new independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF). They brought in a new 1.2T High Definition - High Field - Open MRI system with the latest high tech capabilities. The machine is manufactured by FUJIFILM and is referred to as the "Velocity" due to its fast scan times. Its predecessor called the "Oasis" made a big splash when it was introduced several years ago as being the first 1.2T High Field Open MRI system that produced remarkable high resolution image quality. This next generation "Velocity" is 40% faster than the "Oasis" and delivers even better image quality. The Velocity also is equipped with a special soft blue light feature to further ease the tensions for anxious and claustrophobic patients. Its more open and more comfortable. It is even more accommodating because it can handle a patient weighing as much as 660 lbs. 

The new technology with its high definition can also scan special studies for bilateral breast imaging and prostate imaging. But probably the biggest news of all and new to the state of Indiana will feature new Whole Body scans called Reveal MRI to screen for cancers, blood clots, aneursyms and more. Learn more about it in RevealMRI.com.

The open configuration of our MRI offers you comfort rather than being confined in a "tube". An open MRI is ideal for everyone, especially for larger and claustrophobic patients. Our open magnet configuration has two asymmetrical posts located in the back of the machine, meaning there are no sides to confine the patient. This allows patients more space to relax and position themselves in order to most comfortably undergo the procedure. It is critical that the patient remain extremely still throughout the entire exam.


MRI is very sensitive to motion. If too much movement occurs, the images may be too grainy or distorted and the entire sequence may have to be rerun. Therefore, we specialize in making the patient as comfortable as possible. We also provide pillows and blankets to prop and comfort where we are able. The open magnet is also equipped with a patented soft sound gradient feature which allows the patient to be scanned without a loud banging noise. This is an extremely attractive feature for comfort in terms of reducing the patient's anxiety levels.


In addition, the patient can listen to calming music in the background and even bring along their favorite CD. Lastly, the scanner room has a large window to the outside that is designed to draw extra light into the room. This adds an extra psychological effect for an even more open feeling. Our open MRI is also very attractive for scanning young children. To avoid extra risks, the child would not have to be completely sedated. The parent can be right by their side and even hold their hand throughout the procedure. In a worst case scenario, if the child cannot remain still the exam would not be completed and there would be no charge.

About the MRIs

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI is an exam that scans the body on all three planes (or dimensions), providing superior diagnostic images using a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer.


Unlike X-Ray, mammogram or CT scanning, MRI does not use any harmful ionizing radiation. Instead it utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio waves aided by a computer to produce detailed images of the body.

  • MRI Scans


    The MRI scan will be performed on specific parts of the body, i.e. shoulder, knee, hip, etc. Typically a doctor will order one scan or one exam for the purpose of properly diagnosing an ailment. The doctor may be looking to confirm suspected problems with the patient to find things like tumors, ligament tears, nerve damage, and stress fractures in bones to name a few. It is not uncommon for a doctor to order multiple scans if a patient is having problems in other areas of the body. For example, if a doctor needs to check the entire spine then an order would be submitted for three separate scans, one on the cervical, one on the thoracic, and one on the lumbar region.


  • MRA Scans


    We only provide MRA's for neck and head exams. MRA's reveal the vascular system of the brain with extraordinary clarity. Doctors may order MRA's when patients are having problems such as headaches, dizziness, or visual disturbances.


A picture of a fujifilm mri machine

The Open configuration of our MRI means that you will not be surrounded in a tube, but will be lying on a table, with the sides, front and back open. This configuration is more comforting to all patients, especially larger, claustrophobic and anxious patients. Many times a patient may not be considered claustrophobic, but will have some serious confinement issues with the restricting "tube type".

MRI / MRA

This new 1.2T High Field OPEN MRI system is called the Velocity and offers the latest high definition technology bettering or rivaling most current existing 1.5T closed systems in image quality. It uses no harmful radiation. Most scans can be performed in 15-20 minutes making it one of the fastest scans on the market. Brain scans without contrast are capable of finishing in 13 minutes. The machine also has the biggest open gantry on the market and can hold up to 660 lbs.

  • Standard Exams - We perform all standard MRI and MRA exam studies for both contrast with and without. Common orders include lumbar, cervical, thoracic, shoulder, knee, hip, brain, ankle & feet. Note: Exams with arthrograms are not done currently but are planned for service in the coming months.
  • Specialized Exams - Breast bilateral (coming soon)  Prostate, Abdomen (Pancreas, Kidneys, Liver, Gall Bladder) & TMJ. Many specific studies are ordered with attention to certain areas of the body including pituitary, MS protocols, stroke presence, etc.
  • Featured Elective Exams – Full Body Scan or just Torso Scan. Find Tumors, Aneurysms, blood clots in the head and neck, herniated discs and more. Full Body Scan includes Head, Neck, Spine, Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis. Torso Scan includes Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis. And if you would like to check out the very latest with the most detailed tests you can even do a Total Body Scan. Go to RevealMRI.com to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

How Should I Prepare?

  • Eat or drink anything you normally would, including prescribed medications.
  • Wear clothes without metal zippers, hooks, etc. We will be happy to provide exam clothing if needed.
  • You will be asked to leave coins, keys, jewelry, hearing aids, hairpins, wallet, credit cards, watches and dentures in your patient locker or with a friend.
  • Because a magnetic field is involved, you will be prescreened for any of the following that may apply: pregnancy, metal implants, pacemaker, dentures, surgical staples, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, aneurysm clips, etc

The whole procedure takes around 15-60 minutes minutes, depending on the exam. In some cases a contrast agent may be injected if required by the study. Contact  Choice Imaging to learn more information.

CT

This brand new 64-Slice FUJIFILM CT machine with 128-Slice fine recon called the Supria offers some of the least amount of harmful radiation per exam surpassing smart low dose technology standards (surpasses XR-29 smart low dose radiation reduction) while processing at faster workflow and delivering high quality images.

A woman is laying on a bed with a nurse standing next to her

EXAMS:  

We perform all standard CT exam studies without contrast, with contrast and with & without contrast. Common exams include CT Scan Brain/Head, CT Scan Neck, CT Scan Chest (CT Scan Lung), CT Sinuses, CT Urogram, CT Spine exams, CT Scan Abdomen/Pelvis (common orders for kidney stones) and CTA's (CT Angiographies)

SPECIALTY EXAMS: 

CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring:  Cost is $89 

This is recommended for men ages 40 to 65 and women ages 45 to 70 with one of the following risk factors:

Diabetes - Current Smoker - Obese - Family history of heart disease - Cholesterol level greater than 160 LDL - Blood pressure greater than 140/90


If you are outside the recommended age range, a physician order is required. Younger adults may be tested if one or more of their close relatives has had early 

coronary artery disease.


Please note:  Requirements dictate that the Cardiac Calcium Score test results must be sent to a primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, an assigned physician will review your results.


CT Low Dose Lung Screen:  Cost is $95 

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that people who quit smoking within the last 15 years get a yearly low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for lung cancer if they meet the following criteria:  They are between 50 and 80 years old and they have a 20 pack-year smoking history

X-Ray

We offer Walk-In X-Ray service from 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday. We recommend scheduling or calling ahead to avoid excessive wait times.

The X-Ray technology is also a brand new FUFIFILM machine. It produces some of the clearest X-Ray images on the market with fast imaging capabilities.

Standard Exams - We perform all standard X-Ray exams. Talk to your doctor about number of views needed. Common exams are for bone fractures, spines, hips and chest x-rays.

Ultrasound

This GE manufactured ultrasound known as the Logiq E10 R2 is one of the latest technologies developed and performs at high micro-processing speeds to deliver some of the best ultrasound images on the market.

Standard Exams – We perform most standard ultrasound exams except for Cardiac and ABI studies (Ankle Brachial Index) which are planned for later dates.