RALEIGH NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES OPENS NEW FIXED MRI

Raleigh Neurology Associates, Inc. has installed a state of the art fixed MRI available for immediate use in its location at 1520 Sunday Drive St. #117, in Raleigh NC. This new GE HDX scanner is the only one in the Triangle and one of the first in North Carolina. The scanner is GE Excite HDi 1.5T with a short bore which can accommodate patients up to 350 lbs.

Why would a patient want to have an MRI at Raleigh Neurology? The MRI facility at Raleigh Neurology is a great place to come for this procedure. This is a very patient friendly place to visit. The MRI team is completely staffed with trained professionals who handle thousands of cases per year. You can usually park within fifty feet of the MRI suite and this is helpful for those who have a difficult time ambulating. There is a neuro-radiologist on site Monday through Friday who will interpret the scan and work with the technicians to insure a proper procedure.

Neuroradiologist:
A key aspect to MRI care that RNA provides is we have a neurologist on staff and present during the procedures who specializes in neuroscanning. The benefit to the patient is if the neuroradiologist feels different imaging views and/or contrast should be added, the physician can be contacted immediately for concurrence and possible work in to the schedule. At most hospitals, if fine-tuning of the orders is needed, say gadolinium is recommended; the patient must to return for an additional appointment. RNA realizes that it is less costly for the patient and delivery of health care services in general, if the procedures can be consolidated.

Neuro Techs
The technologists are either ARRT or AMRIT Neuro Technologists, and are also trained in the specialty of magnetic resonance imaging.

The Images from the MRI are available immediately for our physicians. Final reports are delivered within a day rather than waiting days or even weeks for a turn around from multiple organizations. At RNA, all of the communication is under one roof!

Every effort is made to accommodate the patient. If numerous tests are needed, the staff will do their best to have all testing done on the same day. Many times the patient can be worked in the same day. All of our scheduling is for outpatients only. There are no "inpatients" as in hospitals who get priority on the schedules. Our patients are our priority!

Children:
Our staff accepts children as young as six years of age. Parents are encouraged to be in the scanning area with the child to offer reassurance. Earplugs are given to patients (and parents). Multiple coil channels on the scanner offer increased resolution and decreased scanning time. The loud noises of the scanner can still be an annoyance.

Claustrophobia
The special coils on the MRI scanner have mirrors so you can see outside, thereby easing the claustrophobic sensation. Special software is included to compensate for motion assuring the patient perfect digital imaging every time. Private changing rooms are available for the patients who are offered scrubs to wear for their scans rather than those embarrassing gowns. IV Valium sedation is offered to patients age 16 and above when the neuroradiologist is on site. There is no extra charge.

Scheduling and Helpful Hints:
Our staff is very accommodating and will do all they can to help you. Previous films are always helpful for your visit. Though it is the responsibility of the patient to retrieve the older films, our staff can retrieve imaging electronically from many locations. If orbital x-rays are needed for clearance due to a history of possible metal shavings in the eye area, there is no charge.

Our scanner is open 7 days a week; 7 am to 11 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on weekends. To schedule an appointment, click here.

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