Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a type of imaging modalities that are characterized by the fastest growing. It is well known that the reducing of the healthcare budget is a trend with continuing action. This means that in most cases the installation of new or additional MRI imaging devices would be increased.

The latest discussions are declaring that the technological advancements of MRI systems have a great development process in the past decade. But, the most interesting thing is that they are still an expensive option. All radiologists are under pressure because they want to deliver high-quality medical care to their patients and because of this, they are looking for more cost-effective solutions. One of these acceptable points is the emergence of a mobile MRI unit. These units are driven by economic, social, and technological factors.

Mobile MRI systems are located in trailers and that’s why they are called mobile. Along with the imaging system in the van are located all the technology that is necessary for performing the procedures such as monitors, climate controls, (air-conditioning, humidification manipulation, and heating) workstations, and magnetic shielding,

Here are a few reasons why mobile MRI units are a good investment:

They reduce the waiting time of patients and at the same time increase the care quality

These trailers are easily for transport and they can be shared between the healthcare providers. Because of this, the cost of ownership can be decreased. When in some projects or bigger hospital mobile MRI trailers can be rented and by this, the waiting lists can be reduced without buying a fixed system for their usage. Renting a mobile MRI is a temporary solution. In order to have enough time for a complete treatment of the patients, these units will become a necessary measure. Mobile MRI units can decrease the patient’s costs to 50%. They will save traveling costs and at the same time, they will save their time and the time of the medical provider. The flexible nature of these trailers will provide access to all patients who are not able to receive an MRI scan. Those people are coming from rural areas and also those people who are less mobile. For achieving success in the mobile version, these units were transformed into smaller, lighter, and self-shielding. It is good to remember that the newest versions of mobile MRI require minimal time for set-up and another great thing is that the magnet that often needed to be ramped after every move, is now ramped during the first calibration and it remains ramped throughout every next move.

Aging patients need accessible MRI imaging

Older patients need high-quality healthcare too. All mobile MRI units represent a good chance to deliver great healthcare to every person. These trailers are becoming a viable solution for clinical settings in rural areas. They enhance the communication between many different healthcare providers which is an important factor when providing the best healthcare for the patients. Another great thing is that the patients don’t have to drive to hospitals to pick up their MRI results. Their information can be found in the system and it allows a great collaboration and second opinion between doctors.

The cost of a mobile MRI

The main decision about purchasing this type of vehicle should not be based on the costs. The first consideration should be put on the effort to deliver the chance to use this technology in locations that cannot afford to provide these medical services in the fixed hospitals. A mobile MRI still costs less than the fixed one. But, keep in mind that the cost of the mobile and fixed scanner involves different fixed and operating costs.

Benefits of mobile MRI

It is good to remember that an MRI scan can cost millions of dollars and if it should be replaced with a new version it can become a difficult situation. People should know the fact that MRI technology is constantly and rapidly advancing in all developed countries. The increase in the usage of MRI scans is closely related to its benefit factors. There are a few positive things about using mobile MRI in the healthcare sector. They are the following:

• All services and costs could be shared among several hospitals sharing a mobile MRI
• There is no need for patients to travel in order to benefit from an MRI scan
• The installation of these units is lowered together with the site costs
• They provide convenient access to the patient and enhance their experience

Summary

It is proven that mobile MRI units are great for patients because they have fewer benefits. One of the most important things is that they are easily reached and can be easily maintained.

Mobile MRI scans are the future for those patients who live in areas with poverty and who do not have access to MRI scans.