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Radiology Info

Open MRI of Effingham
Accredited by the American College of Radiology

 
Commitment to Quality
 
Our staff's ongoing commitment to quality has earned us accreditation by the American College of Radiology. We remain the only Open MRI with this accreditation in a 50 mile radius.
 
What is Open MRI?
 
Open MRI with mid-field magnetic strength (.3 Tesla): The advanced Open-Air MRI at the Bonutti Clinic is completely open to eliminate patient claustrophobia. In addition, it’s magnet is six times stronger than most other open-air-type MRIs, resulting in greater image detail, equal to that of tunnel-type units. Doctors receive the information they need for an accurate diagnosis,while you relax in complete open air comfort. The best of both worlds.
 Picture of AIRIS II Open MR Imager
Original tunnel-type MRI with high field magnetic strength (1.0 Tesla): About nine out of ten MRI machines now in use require the patient to slide head-first into a narrow metal tunnel. Those units produce high quality images, but the enclosed tunnel causes “anxiety-related reactions” in approximately “4% to 30% of patients”, according to a recent study in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA). Picture of Tunnel-style MR imager
 
The Advantages Of Open MRI
 
  • Extraordinary Detail - MRI images are so clear that they approach the appearance of fine-line drawings in anatomy books.
  • Speedy Diagnosis - The superior clarity of MRI images enables swift and accurate diagnosis which can eliminate the need for other prolonged and expensive testing.
  • Non-Invasive - images of the body are obtained without the use of surgery.
  • Safe and Painless - images are obtained while you lie comfortably on a padded table. No radiation is used and the magnetic field that generates the images causes no pain.
General Preparation
 
Typically, patients require no preparation or dietary restrictions. Certain conditions may prevent you from having an MRI examination. When scheduling your appointment, and just prior to the test, please alert the Imaging staff and technologist if you have any of the following conditions:
Picture of Bonutti Clinic's Open MRI device
  • Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy
  • Surgical staples or aneurysm clips within the brain
  • Cochlear implants
  • Metallic implants
  • Dental bridges
  • Inferior vena cava umbrella
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Aneurism clips
  • Hearing aid
  • History as metal worker
  • Shrapnel
  • Dorsal column stimulator
  • Other issues you believe to be relevant
 
Your Examination
 
You will lie comfortably on the “patient couch” and a special coil will be attached to the area of your body being examined. The couch then slides into position. Your technologist will direct the scan from the computer console, or “command center” of the system, and will talk with you through a speaker while the images are being produced and viewed on a monitor. You will be asked to lie very still at a particular moment, but for the most part you can relax while the scanner and the technologist do the work. You can arrange with our receptionist to have a close friend or family member sit with you throughout the exam. An average exam takes about 20-30 minutes. Picture of Bonutti Clinic's Open MRI device with patient inside
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
How long will an Open MRI last?
Most exams last 20-30 minutes. Some will be shorter and some will be a little longer depending on the test you doctor orders.
 
If I am referred to the Open MRI by a physician who is not part of the Bonutti Clinic, do I have to be seen by one of the Clinic physicians before my MRI exam?
 
No! The Open MRI is a separate department that works independently from the clinic, but is located in the same offices for your convenience.
 
Are there any risks involved with having an Open MRI?
 
There are some minor risks associated with the heating of tissue using RF irradiation. By having an exam done on a lower field strength Open MRI you are subject to less RF irradiation than being in a closed MRI High Field Unit. Therefore, you are at less of a risk by having your exam done with the Open MRI.
 
Is there a difference in the quality of images between the Open MRI and the Closed MRI?
 
Yes, the Open MRI uses the latest in MRI technology which requires a much lower magnetic strength to produce a higher quality image. Also, the open architecture creates a more comfortable patient environment reducing movement by the patient during the study. This creates images with more detail and a clearer picture allowing the physician to diagnose the condition much earlier than otherwise possible.
 
What insurance plans do you currently participate in?
 
We are a provider for Healthlink, Multiplan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and a Medicare Participating Provider.  We are always adding new programs and accept assignment on a case by case basis for other carriers whom we are not yet providers for.
 
Need more information on Radiology?
 
For more information regarding radiology, please visit www.RadiologyInfo.org, a website created to educate patients about the procedures they may be recommended. Through this free site you will better understand your radiology experiences.