JMH Now Offers MRI Scans

Jasper Memorial Hospital began magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services on March 29 as an addition to the diagnostic services already offered locally.

MRI scans are currently available on Wednesday afternoons at the local facility with the use of a mobile unit. Patsy Hyman, Director of Radiology, explained that the advanced equipment uses a powerful magnetic field in conjuction with radio waves to cause selected elements in the human body to give off faint signals.
{{more}}
When a patient is centered on the magnetic field of the MRI, these atoms align themselves with the field. The radio waves allow the MRI to create images of the body instead of using x-rays. This technology has some applications that provide better images than can be acquired with regular x-rays and CT scans.

“We will have the MRI on a weekly basis in the beginning and add days if the number of scans increases beyond one day. This technology will allow us to diagnose and treat patients that previously had to go out of town for this service,” said David Owens, CEO of Jasper Health Services.

The hospital can provide MRI procedures with orders from physicians who are not on the hospital’s staff.

Questions about the new MRI services can be addressed to Ms. Hyman at 468-6411 ext. 119.