MRI in Artesia
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The Future of Medical Imaging is in Artesia
When it comes to your health, seeing clearly is everything. You need accurate, detailed information to make confident decisions with your doctor. At Artesia General Hospital, we believe our community deserves access to the best diagnostic tools in the world. That’s why our Artesia Diagnostic Imaging Center is built on a foundation of world-class technology and compassionate, patient-focused care.
We are dedicated to providing you with a complete and precise picture of your health, minimizing stress and maximizing comfort, right here at home.
Pioneering the Next Generation of MRI Technology
We are exceptionally proud to be the second hospital in the entire United States to install the FUJIFILM Echelon Synergy 1.5T MRI. This isn’t just a new machine; it’s a new standard in patient care.
So, what does this groundbreaking technology mean for you?
- Unmatched Image Clarity: This advanced system uses a powerful form of artificial intelligence (called Deep Learning Reconstruction) to create exceptionally sharp and detailed images, giving your doctor the highest level of diagnostic confidence.
- A More Relaxing Experience: The Echelon Synergy features a wide 70cm opening and SoftSound™ technology that significantly reduces the loud noises common with traditional MRIs, creating a more peaceful and calming environment.
- Fewer Rescans, Faster Results: The revolutionary design and AI enhancements intelligently correct for minor body movements during the scan. This means a much lower chance you’ll need to repeat the exam, saving you time and worry.
Why Choose Artesia General Hospital for Your Imaging?
Choosing where to have your medical imaging done is an important decision. Our Artesia facility is uniquely positioned to offer a level of quality and technological superiority you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
- Nationally Recognized for Excellence: We are the only facility in southeastern New Mexico to hold accreditation in all five major imaging modalities (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography) from the American College of Radiology (ACR). This is the gold standard for patient safety and quality.
- A Team of Dedicated Experts: Your scan will be performed by our team of licensed technologists who combine their deep expertise with a genuine commitment to your comfort and well-being.
- Convenient Options for Our Entire Community: While our most advanced technology is centralized here in Artesia, we also operate a [facility in Carlsbad] to better serve our patients across the region. This location features a High Field Open MRI, an excellent option for those with claustrophobia.
Our Comprehensive Imaging Services in Artesia
Our state-of-the-art facility provides a full spectrum of diagnostic services. We work seamlessly with your provider, including our own experts in the [Emergency Department] and the [Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic], to ensure integrated care. Services include:
- FUJIFILM Echelon Synergy 1.5T MRI
- CT (Computed Tomography)
- 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine
- Bone Density (DEXA) Scans
- Digital X-ray
Your results will be sent promptly to your referring physician, ensuring you get the answers you need without delay.
Frequently asked Questions
What makes the new Echelon Synergy MRI in Artesia so different?
This isn’t just a newer model; it’s a completely new generation of MRI technology, and we are proud to be one of the very first hospitals in the country to offer it. For you, the patient, this means several key benefits:
- Exceptional Clarity: It uses a powerful form of artificial intelligence (called Deep Learning Reconstruction) to create images that are dramatically sharper and more detailed than older systems. This gives your doctor the best possible view of your health.
- A Quieter Experience: We know that the noise of a traditional MRI can be stressful. Our machine includes the SoftSound™ suite, a technology that makes scans up to 96% quieter, creating a much more peaceful and calming environment.
Faster Scans: The advanced AI technology also helps us complete scans faster without sacrificing quality. This means you spend less time in the machine.
I am very anxious and claustrophobic. What are my options?
We understand that an MRI can be a source of anxiety, and your comfort is our top priority. The Echelon Synergy MRI at our Artesia campus was designed with this in mind. It has a wide 70cm opening (called the “bore”) which provides a more open feeling than older, more restrictive machines. The quieter technology and faster scan times also help significantly reduce anxiety.
Please talk to our scheduling team about your concerns when you book your appointment. Our technologists are highly experienced in helping anxious patients and can offer support, such as providing blankets, headphones, and constant communication throughout the scan. For patients who require it, our Carlsbad facility offers a [High Field Open MRI,] which is another excellent option.
How is an MRI different from a CT scan?
This is a very common question. While both are powerful imaging tools, they work differently and are used for different purposes.
- An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your organs, soft tissues, ligaments, and joints. It is excellent for examining conditions like torn ligaments, tumors in soft tissue, and brain or spine disorders. An MRI does not use any ionizing radiation.
- A CT (Computed Tomography) Scan is a specialized type of X-ray that takes cross-sectional pictures of your body. It is exceptionally good for looking at bones, diagnosing lung conditions, identifying cancers, and spotting internal injuries or bleeding after an accident.
Your doctor will choose the test that is best suited to diagnose or monitor your specific medical condition.
How should I prepare for my imaging appointment?
Preparation is typically minimal, but it can vary depending on the type of scan you are having. When we schedule your appointment, our team will provide you with specific, easy-to-follow instructions.
As a general rule for an MRI:
- You can usually eat, drink, and take your medications as normal unless otherwise instructed.
- You will be asked to remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and glasses. It’s often easiest to leave these items at home.
- Please inform us of any metal implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or history of metal fragments in your body when you schedule. This is critical for your safety.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal snaps, zippers, or buttons. We will provide a gown if needed.
Most importantly, feel free to ask us any questions you have. We are here to make sure you feel prepared and comfortable.
FUJIFILM Echelon Synergy 1.5T MRI Scan
A New Standard in MRI: Unmatched Clarity Meets Unprecedented Comfort
At Artesia General Hospital, we believe our community deserves access to the most advanced medical technology in the world. We are proud to be the second hospital in the United States to feature the FUJIFILM Echelon Synergy 1.5T MRI. This revolutionary system provides you and your doctor with exceptionally detailed images of the body’s soft tissues, joints, brain, and organs, leading to a more accurate and confident diagnosis.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive scan that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves—not radiation—to create these images. It is the gold standard for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from athletic injuries to complex neurological disorders. Our advanced system elevates this standard by integrating artificial intelligence to produce sharper images in less time, all while prioritizing your comfort with a wider opening and remarkably quiet operation.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the main benefit of this new MRI technology?
The main benefit is superior diagnostic confidence. The system’s AI-powered technology creates images that are significantly sharper and more detailed than older MRIs. This allows our radiologists to detect even subtle abnormalities, giving your doctor the most precise information possible to guide your treatment plan.
I’m claustrophobic. How does this MRI help with that?
We designed our MRI service with your comfort in mind. The Echelon Synergy has a wide 70cm opening (bore), which feels more spacious and less restrictive than traditional MRIs. Combined with its quiet-scan technology and faster exam times, this creates a much more calming experience for patients who feel anxious or claustrophobic.
Does an MRI hurt? What will I experience during the scan?
An MRI is a completely painless procedure. You won’t feel the magnetic field or radio waves. The main sensations are the feeling of lying still and hearing a series of humming, buzzing, or thumping sounds from the machine. Our system is one of the quietest available, and we provide headphones or earplugs to ensure you are comfortable.
How should I prepare for my MRI appointment?
For most MRI exams, no special preparation is needed. You can typically eat, drink, and take medications as usual. The most important step is to remove all metal from your body, including jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and clothing with zippers or snaps. Please inform our team if you have any metal implants, a pacemaker, or have ever had metal fragments in your body.
How long will it take to get my MRI results?
Our board-certified radiologists interpret your images promptly after your scan is complete. The official report is typically sent to your referring physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will then share the results with you and discuss the next steps in your care.
CT (Computed Tomography)
Fast, Detailed Imaging When Answers Are Needed Now
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan, sometimes called a CAT scan, is a vital diagnostic tool that uses specialized X-rays and advanced computer processing to create detailed, 3D images of your body. It provides a clear view of your bones, organs, and blood vessels, allowing doctors to diagnose a wide range of conditions with exceptional speed and accuracy.
At Artesia General Hospital, CT is a cornerstone of both emergency and scheduled care. Its speed makes it essential for evaluating patients in our [Emergency Department] who may have internal injuries, stroke, or severe pain. It is also a powerful tool for diagnosing cancer, vascular disease, and complex infections. We are committed to patient safety by adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), using the minimum radiation dose necessary to obtain high-quality diagnostic images.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the difference between a CT scan and an X-ray?
Think of a standard X-ray as a flat, two-dimensional picture, like a photograph. A CT scan is like a 3D model. It takes many X-ray images from different angles and combines them to create detailed, cross-sectional views of your body. This allows doctors to see the size, shape, and position of organs and tissues much more clearly.
Will I need an injection of contrast dye for my CT?
Not always. Contrast dye, a special liquid that makes certain tissues or blood vessels show up more clearly, is used for many but not all CT scans. If your exam requires it, the dye may be given as a drink or injected into a vein in your arm. Our team will inform you beforehand and explain the entire process.
Is a CT scan painful?
The scan itself is completely painless. You will lie on a table that slides into the center of the donut-shaped scanner. The machine will rotate around you, but nothing will touch you. If contrast dye is injected, you might feel a brief, warm sensation throughout your body, which is a normal and temporary side effect.
How long does a CT scan actually take?
The scanning portion of a CT is incredibly fast, often taking less than a minute. While the entire appointment may take longer to account for preparation and positioning, you will only need to hold still for a very short period of time.
Is the radiation from a CT scan safe?
Patient safety is our top priority. While CT scans do use ionizing radiation, our modern scanners and protocols are designed to use the lowest possible dose to get the necessary diagnostic information. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis from a medically necessary CT scan far outweighs the small potential risk from the radiation exposure.
