Boone Memorial Hospital's Radiology Department reached record high patient numbers in April 2012 with the new MRI fixed unit.

The MRI unit has been on-site for several months and has already been put to great use.

"We have been booked up and saw over 30 patients in just the first couple of weeks," said Greg Zornes, Director of Radiology at Boone Memorial Hospital. "We set a record last month and continue to increase patient volume. It is always nice when a new or improved service reaches more patients. I believe our MRI numbers are increasing because patients and providers in the area now know that we offer MRI service five-days-a-week. Having a fixed unit makes things easier and more convenient for the patient and decreases wait time," Zornes added.

"We are the first Critical Access Hospital in the State of West Virginia to offer a fixed unit," explained Tommy Mullins, Administrator at BMH.

"We are very happy to offer this service to the local community. I know so many people are already benefiting from the ease and comfort of having a fixed MRI unit located so close to home. We also offer free parking," Mullins added.

All of the radiology exams at Boone Memorial Hospital are interpreted by Premier Imaging, a group of radiologists based in the Charleston area. Most all radiology exams are reported within 24 hours. A patient can get an appointment for an MRI or most any other imaging exam at BMH within 24-48 hours.

So, what exactly is an MRI of the body and what can you expect? The MRI unit at BMH is a 1.5 Tesla Seimens Symphony, closed bore system, which offers superior image quality. It is housed in a mobile technology trailer that is conveniently located near the hospital’s main entrance. MRI uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create images. There is no radiation involved in having an MRI examination. The magnetic energy used in MRI is not safe for all patients. Anyone with a cardiac pacemaker should avoid having an MRI examination. The technologists carefully screen every patient for possible contraindications before an MRI.

MRI is capable of showing soft tissue structures in great detail. It is very useful for evaluating ligament and tendon damage, as well as the soft tissues of the brain and spinal cord. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound, or computed technology (also called CT scanning).

MR imaging of the body is performed to evaluate a number of things such as organs of the abdomen-including the liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It also evaluates pelvic organs, blood vessels (MR Angiography), and breasts.

“At BMH we mainly see patients who suffer from joint, back or neck pain. We also treat a lot of people who have experienced some sort of injury,” said Zornes.

Physicians use the MR examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as tumors of the abdomen or pelvis, certain types of blockages or enlargements of blood vessels-including the aorta, renal arteries, and arteries in the legs, diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and that of other abdominal organs, including the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts.
For some patients, hearing those 3 letters - ‘MRI’ - can result in anxiety. However, most MRI exams are painless. Although some patients do find it uncomfortable to remain still during MR imaging while others experience a sense of being closed-in (claustrophobia).

“Our patients are usually alone in the exam room during the MRI procedure. However, our technologists will be able to see, hear and speak with them at all times using a two-way intercom; the patient also has a panic ball which can be squeezed to immediately terminate the exam. There are currently two technologists who have been approved by the State of WV to perform the MRI at BMH; Toni Williams and myself," explained Zornes.

“Radiologist Joe Skeens, M.D., a well respected physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to the patient’s referring physician, who will share the results with them. They can expect results in less than 24 hours. Our staff is very friendly and makes everyone feel at ease here,” concluded Zornes.

To schedule an appointment or to receive more information about the MRI unit, please contact the Boone Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at 304-369-8805.

In regard to scheduling: In most cases, the referring physician’s office staff will 

check on the patient’s insurance requirements and schedule the appointment. Please call the BMH Radiology Department for more details.

*Information provided by: RadiologyInfo.org and Boone Memorial Hospital