MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Philips Panorama 0.23T Scanner

What is MRI?
MRI utilizes the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves and computers to generate images of the body in any plane

Wide Open/Patient Friendly
Innovative open design, which is ideal for claustrophobic, anxious, pediatric, elderly and large patients
Latest technology
Warm, welcoming design
Side-first patient entry minimizes patient anxiety and eliminates off-center imaging for enhanced image quality
Flat, wide patient couch optimizes openness and comfortable patient positioning

Radiologist
Board Certified radiologists, experienced in musculoskeletal imaging, read the MRI images
Prompt Response – results are back to the ordering physician within 24-48 hours.  If there is an emergency the Beacon Physicians are able to get the results immediately with a stat reading.

Why get an MRI
MRI results in a more relevant diagnostic information
Often used to further evaluate abnormalities found on other studies
Becoming increasingly common to use MRI as primary study for some clinical questions
MRI offers a comprehensive evaluation, identifying abnormalities of bone, cartilage, and soft tissues


What does it mean to be ACR Accredited?
ACR is the American College of Radiology, which is the premier national organization for Radiologist focusing on the practice of medical imaging and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medial physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment.

ACR provides a high level of confidence for patients, referring physicians and managed care organizations that only the highest quality care is being provided by accredited facilities.

Gives assurance that staff and equipment have passed the ACR rigorous evaluation.

DEXA (Dual-EnergyXray Absorptiometry)
Hologic Delphi Scanner
DEXA bone mineral density (BMD) studies of the spine and hip are considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing osteoporosis following changes in bone density over time.  DEXA uses low dose x-ray of two different energies to distinguish between bone and soft tissue.  BMD is calculated and compared to normal BMD values matched for age and sex.  DEXA is a fast, convenient and precise way to help determine your risk of fracturing a bone and can help determine a treatment plan.

Osteoporosis affects millions, costs billions.  A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated

Why should you get a DEXA Scan?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone become fragile and more likely to break.  If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.  These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist.

Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine.  A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery.  It can impair a person’s ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability.  Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, deformity and spinal cord injury. Millions of Americans are at risk.  While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Who should be tested for Bone Mineral Density?

• Women aged 65 and older
• Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors
• Family history of osteoporosis
• History of fracture as an adult
• Surgically-induced menopause (i.e. with removal of the ovaries)
• Stopped menstrual periods longer than 1 year
• Smoke cigarettes
• Low body weight, less than 127 lbs
• Consume more than 2 servings of alcohol daily
• Get little or no weight bearing exercise
• Men aged 70 and older
• Adults with fragility fracture
• Adults with a disease or condition associated with low bone mass or bone loss
• Anyone being considered for pharmacological therapy
• Anyone being treated, to monitor treatment effect
• Anyone that has been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for more than 3 months
• Anyone taking steroid or glucocorticoid medications (prednisone, cortisone) for 3 consecutive months or more

Does insurance cover a DEXA Scan?
DEXA Scans are covered by most Insurance if you have any of the above.  Most carriers will cover 1 scan every 2 years.

Staff and Facility
The staff of Beacon Imaging is dedicated to delivering the very best images possible.  Striving for patient ease and comfort, the Beacon Imaging Center offers a warm, clean and professional setting for your MRI and DEXA.

The communication between the patient, the radiologist, treating physician and the technologist enables the patient to a get high quality image which will lead to an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment in a timely manner. 

Beacon’s imaging team strives every day to make your scan as comfortable as possible, while ensuring the safety of everyone in the department with the latest equipment and technological advancements.