Our Diagnostic Imaging Department is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Here at McLaren Central Michigan MRI we have the largest, fastest and quietest scanners offered in this area. We focus on patient comfort and good communication to ensure a quality exam. Most claustrophobic patients are able to complete their exam due to our friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. You can enjoy your favorite music from Pandora radio during your exam. Our highly detailed images are read by our specialized radiologist within 24-48 hours. Our registered MRI technologists are knowledgeable, caring and experienced. They strive for safety, optimal image quality, patient satisfaction and follow through.
McLaren Central Michigan offers Radiology Services with Radisphere National Radiology Group. Radisphere provides a full-service radiology coverage solution that includes final, preliminary, day and night reports interpreted by a combination of remote emergency department (ED) and sub-specialty radiologists. This means every scan is interpreted by a radiologist with specialty training in the area of the body being studied. These specialists are capable of seeing and understanding subtle things thanks to advanced training and singular focus. Combined with our state-of-the art imaging equipment, this partnership provides physicians and the community with the highest level of world-class radiology services.
Walk-in patients seeking x-ray services are accepted. Staff tries to ensure walk-ins are called back in 15 minutes or less.
MRI Screening Checklist
Print and fill out the MRI Screening Checklist now and bring it along to your appointment to save time the day of your MRI
Radiation Reduction at McLaren Central Michigan
Did you know that you are exposed to more radiation flying from Detroit to Los Angeles than from a chest X-ray? CT (Computed Tomography) scans use more radiation, but CT scans also provide more diagnostic information compared to X-rays. Your doctor evaluates which test is best for your situation and can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Our fluoroscopic unit is designed to reduce the radiation dose by a technique called pulse fluoroscopy. It is a lot like the old movies where the frame rate is too slow. You can actually tell that it is a series of pictures placed together and fanned rapidly so the subject seems to be moving. The fewer images you make, the more you can tell they are still images. For our purposes, we try to balance the number of images with other factors to make the movie.
There is also the "store feature" which allows us to store a radiograph that has already been produced and manipulated, rather than making a completely new exposure.
In addition, our staff technologists use collimation to zoom in on an area of interest, much like a camera zooms in to see a specific detail. This limits the beam of the radiation so that only the area of interest is exposed.
In CT, our engineers have calibrated the system so that pediatric patients receive the appropriate dose, rather than giving them an adult dose. Kids are not just small adults when it comes to imaging.
Our professional staff is also monitored for excessive amounts of radiation. Just like patients, our staff uses personal protective lead gear. Our staff also wears dosimeter devices that are evaluated monthly to check for over-exposure.
McLaren Central Michigan participates in annual inspections by the State of Michigan and is governed by state and national standards. McLaren Central Michigan has also contracted with an outside radiation safety officer (RSO) who evaluates the imaging department quarterly.
We are committed to providing quality diagnostic images while protecting our patients and staff from harmful radiation. If you are a patient at McLaren Central Michigan, please make your technologist or physician aware of any concerns you have about radiation safety or any other related topic.