By Wanda Curtis
Special to The Weekly
First MRI in Bangor recently installed a new high definition MRI machine which will take less time, improve the quality of images, reduce the need for rescans and enable physicians to make more accurate diagnoses. It’s the only machine of its kind in northern Maine.
“It has enhanced capabilities and provides outstanding images,” said First MRI Chief of Operations Officer Matt Dichard.
According to Dichard, the new machine is larger in diameter and is shorter from front to back. He said the increased space inside the machine should benefit patients who are claustrophobic. He said that it also will allow First MRI to accommodate patients with a larger frame.
“It will allow us to serve patients better than before,” said Dichard.
First MRI is located on the Eastern Maine Medical Center campus and has a contract with the hospital to perform all of EMMC’s inpatient MRIs. However, the company is independently owned.
“We’re classified as an independent diagnostic testing facility,” said Dichard. “Our rates are significantly less than some other facilities. Patients can get state of the art imaging for a lot less.”
MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of organs and internal structures in the body. An MRI may be used to diagnose neurological disorders, heart conditions, orthopedic conditions, back injuries, joint pain, abdominal pain and cancers. MRIs often can replace more invasive procedures and reduce risk for the patient.
First MRI recently started doing cardiac imaging which isn’t done by some MRI facilities. The machine is able to see the heart muscle, blood vessels, valves and other structures of the heart.
Dichard said that most of the technicians at First MRI have more than 20 years of experience and they are able to meet the needs of patients with very complex need. He said that pediatric sedation and anesthesia are available to patients who are very claustrophobic.
First MRI performs approximately 8,000 MRI procedures annually, and serves clients from throughout Maine and Canada.
“Our staff is available to perform emergency MRIs 24 hours a day, seven days a week,”
said Dichard.