Methodist Adds Latest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Peoria, Illinois (May 7, 2008)-A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at Methodist Medical Center will assist physicians in diagnosing a wide range of patient conditions and aid in prescribing the right treatment to speed recovery.

The Signa 3-T MRI system from GE Healthcare helps doctors definitively diagnose the most complex cases. From sports injuries to life threatening heart conditions, physicians will have the very latest in MRI technology to assist with their diagnosis and treatment plans. The 3-T is more powerful than previous generations and uses the latest High Definition (HD) technology to produce exceptionally high-resolution images.

"We often read about MRI technology being used to help doctors diagnose injuries in professional athletes," says Michael Namanny, Director of Medical Imaging Services for Methodist. "This new system allows us to examine sports injuries in more detail than ever before. Additionally, it helps diagnose patients who have serious illnesses so that their doctors can better prescribe treatments."

"This new MRI system will also give us the ability to provide even better diagnostic services to our female patients, says Dr. James McGee, Methodist Radiologist. "Methodist has an already extensive breast cancer center at the hospital and this new MRI system give our physicians the ability to see both breasts at the same time, which may potentially eliminate the patient having to go through the breast imaging process twice."

Namanny concluded, "We are pleased to be one of the first in the state to offer the latest in MR imaging technology and to provide the highest quality diagnostic power to our patients and their physicians."

The new system is expected to be fully operational the first week of June 2008.