Advances in MRI Technology

In recent years, some of the advances in MRI technology have been on the software side.  These advancement enable faster contrast scans, simplified cardiac imaging workflows, and even the ability to perform MR scans of the lungs.

In September 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration granted market clearance for GE’s Healthcare MAGiC—MAGnetic resonance image Compilation—software. It’s the first multi-contrast MRI technique that delivers multiple contrasts in a single acquisition.  And it’s so much faster than conventional imaging. Users get the flexibility to manipulate MR images retrospectively, which saves time, results in fewer rescans and saves money.  In addition, it’s easier for the diagnostician to make a more decisive diagnosis.  

Because new advancements are becoming available all the time, how do you know if it’s time to shut down your system and upgrade to increase capabilities?  When is it worth disrupting your practice? 

Here are a few things to consider that will help make your decision-making process easier.

1. Clinical Outcomes: Ask yourself if the advancement will improve your patient experience and safety.  Will the new upgrade help you achieve the best possible clinical outcomes relative to benchmark?  Can it improve hospital performance metrics?  Most importantly, can it improve physician alignment and consistency of practice?
2. Staff Considerations: Will it improve staff and physician engagement and satisfaction?  Will it drive development of your staff and physicians?  Does it contribute to staff management and retention?
3. Patient Volume: Will the new upgrade improve capacity management or resource allocation on priority service?  Will it expand the number of payor contracts or improve alignments with referring MDs?  Does it improve the quality of your portfolio contracts?
4. Operational Efficiency: Look closely at software that can improve workflow and patient flow management.  Will it improve efficiency of support functions, too?  Can it reduce supply spend and optimize utilization?
5. Financial Performance: If you can increase reimbursement fees, payor rates and collections, and increase capital efficiency, the upgrade deserves close consideration.  You also want an application upgrade if it can increase contribution margin and improve revenue cycle management.

Should you upgrade an existing system? Buy a refurbished or used system that offers more upgrade options that what you have?  Or should you buy new?  Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to an expert, who can help you weight out the pros and cons.  At Atlantis Worldwide, we’re always willing to help you determine what’s right for you.  Talk to one of our representatives today and see if an MRI upgrade is the answer for your practice, clinic, hospital or healthcare facility.  Contact Us Today!

Some blogs you may have missed:

• Your Image: The Importance of Upgrading Your Diagnostic Monitors
• 2016: The Year of Improving Your C-Arm
• Changing the Game: Xbox to X-Ray
• 7 Benefits of Medical Imaging File Sharing
• 3D Printing in Medical Imaging & Healthcare

Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay