Diagnostic Imaging Northwest announces
the first extremity MRI scanner in the South Sound         

TACOMA, Washington, (January 10, 2012) - Diagnostic Imaging Northwest announced today the new, extremity 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner--the only dedidicated extremity MR System in area and is now available. Patients can be scheduled to be seen in Diagnostic Imaging Northwest’s newest imaging site in the Good Samaritan Medical Building located in Puyallup by Good Samaritan Hospital. 

The GE Optima is the first specialty extremity MRI available for patients in the South Sound. Designed to be more comfortable than a full-body MRI system, the GE Optima is intended for patients needing an MRI exam of extremities such as the elbow, wrist, hand, knee, ankle and foot.

The Optima features a high-strength 1.5T magnet exceeding those of a standard MRI system, and warranting image quality. The comfortable design insures less moving around -- resulting images are likely to be even more clear and consistent, securing a more confident diagnosis.

Unlike the awkward and uncomfortable positions sometimes required for extremity scanning in whole-body systems, patients can relax on a padded chair beside the scanner, reclining comfortably, much like they would in a favorite chair at home. The patient who has extreme anxiety over the closed-in tube MRI and fear of claustrophobia is eliminated by this open design.

Dr. Barbara Blankenship, DINW Medical Director, said: “Our goal is to provide patients with the right MRI scanner for their needs. Comfort and quality imaging are our top priority. For some extremity exams done in a traditional full-body MRI system, the way the patient must be positioned is not always comfortable.”

Beyond comfort, the extremity MRI’s open design reduces anxiety for those who have concerns about going into a full-body MRI system.  Additionally, children may be joined by an adult in the exam room. 

“With our new GE Optima MRI, patients actually sit next to the system and only the targeted body part goes into the system.  This helps make it easier for them to be as still as possible for the best exam achievable. It may also mean that the patient gets in and out faster.” Blankenship said.

 “The Optima allows for faster patient preparation and enhances the ease for patients,” said Keith Arnzen, CEO, DINW. “We are excited to be able to provide this new capability for our community health care providers and their patients.”

More information about the GE Optima Extremity MRI can be found here.

Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW) is a joint venture alliance between Medical Imaging Northwest and MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital.  DINW provides diagnostic radiology services at five imaging locations throughout East Pierce County, WA, in Bonney Lake, Puyallup and Sunrise. Medical Imaging Northwest is a group of private practice radiologists working in hospitals, clinics and imaging centers.  MultiCare/Good Samaritan is part of a healthcare network that has 90-plus locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties. Our highly-trained radiologists are board-certified with fellowship and/or subspecialty training, are experts in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Our registered radiologic technologists have advanced certifications to ensure that your care is of optimal quality. All sites meet the American College of Radiology Certification Standards.

Contact:
Rachael Costner, Marketing & Communications Manager
Diagnostic Imaging Northwest                                                                |
Direct:  253-583-8613  FAX: 253-446-3973        
Email:  rcostner@mydinw.com