Bonutti Clinic

Open MRI of Effingham
Accredited by the American College of Radiology

For 10 years Open MRI of Effingham has undergone a voluntary, rigorous process and meets the highest standards in the industry.
Accreditation by the American College of radiology demonstrates our commitment to quality care and patient safety. Our accreditation is an ongoing process, which means we update our technology with routine software upgrades, and our board-certified technologists with continuing education. The result is a more knowledgeable and skilled team serving patients' needs.

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.

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).

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
Aneurysm 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