| Hospitals
to increase frequency of MRI services
Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s Hospitals will have mobile MRI services four times per week beginning this month. The semi-trailer with the Magnetic Resonating Imaging equipment will be at CVH two days per week and SMH two days per week. 
“We have an increased demand for the service so we’ve renegotiated the contract with our service provider to reduce the time delay for our patients between needing the diagnostic procedure and getting it,” said Heath Fox, (R)(CT), SMH/CVH Radiology Director. MRIs use radio waves and a strong magnet to look at organs and structures within the body from torn ligaments to tumors. MRIs are often used to image the brain and spinal cord. They are also used to help diagnose conditions or injuries to the abdomen, extremities such as arms and legs and even the sinus cavity. “We can provide an MRI to any patient regardless of which doctor ordered it. Sometimes our patients see specialists in other locations and receive an order for an MRI. We hope they understand that rather than returning to that location to have it done, it can be done at locally at our hospitals and the results can be forwarded to their specialist,” said Fox. “Our hospital and clinics are the same as most local businesses. Our services are also in a ‘use it or lose it’ situation. We offer as many services locally, as possible. We hope people take advantage of that opportunity rather than using services elsewhere.” Steve Wilson manages the five person Radiology Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. The Kamiah Medical Clinic also has X-ray capabilities. |
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