T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2018

2 DESTINATION HEALTH If your doctor orders an MRI scan—and you live in the Columbia area—you won’t have to travel far to get the imaging test you need. In March, T.J. Regional Health began offering MRI scans at T.J. Health Columbia in a mobile unit parked outside the hospital. T.J. Regional Health has contracted with Alliance Imaging, which provides the MRI machine and the skilled technologists who run it. Having a mobile MRI unit at Columbia is convenient—it could save you up to a 40-mile drive to another facility to get a scan. It was impor- tant to bring the service back to Columbia and the site of the former Westlake Regional Hospital, which T.J. Regional Health purchased, says Steve Moffett, Director of Radiology for T.J. Regional Health. “This was something our patients were requesting,” he says. Currently, the mobile MRI unit comes to Columbia every Friday. But it will likely become available on more days of the week as the service grows, Moffett says. ALL ABOUT MRI MRI is short for magnetic resonance imaging. The technology blends magnets and radio waves to take pictures of inside the body without x-rays. MRI is often used to evaluate or diagnose a variety of conditions. Two specialties that often use MRI tests are orthopedics and neurology, Moffett says. “A lot of people get an MRI because something wasn’t seen or some- thing was seen on another imaging test, and now they want to rule some- thing out or delve further into what it could be,” Moffett says. MRI is used to image many parts of the body, including the: ●  ● Brain. ●  ● Spine. ●  ● Shoulders. ●  ● Elbows. ●  ● Knees. ●  ● Abdomen. ●  ● Pelvic area. MODERN AND COMFORTABLE For the most part, getting an MRI scan in a mobile unit is just like getting a scan in a hospital. You will lie on a table that slides into the up-to-date General Electric scanner.The table is just as comfortable as those used in hospitals. Other patient-friendly features include a large opening that can accom- modate larger patients and may reduce feelings of claustrophobia.There’s a private dressing room and a lift to accommodate patients who use a wheelchair. “And the technologists who do the MRI scans are board-certified,” Moffett says. “They have safety first and foremost in mind.” The mobile MRI unit is the latest imaging service to arrive at T.J. Health Columbia. CT scans, ultrasound tests and x-ray tests are also of- fered there. In the future, even more imaging services may be offered in Columbia, Moffett says. If your doctor says you need an MRI scan, you may want to remind him or her that the service is now available at T.J. Health Columbia. It could save you a drive and save you time. And you’ll still get the quality imaging test you deserve. Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians; National Institutes of Health; Urgent Care Association of America Bringing MRI back to Columbia Mob i l e MRI un i t i s ava i l ab l e a t T. J . Hea l th Co l umb i a Year-round protection Don’t put that sunscreen away when summer ends. The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn even in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. American Academy of Pediatrics Urgent vs. Emergency Allergic reactions with trouble breathing, hives or swelling. Chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes. Difficulty breathing. Heavy bleeding, severe burns or deep wounds. High fever with a headache or stiff neck. Injury to the neck, spine or head, especially with other symptoms. Passing out, fainting or seizures. Poisoning or overdose. Serious injuries, such as broken bones. Severe and persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Sudden severe headache or pain, such as in the jaw or arm. Sudden confusion, weakness, loss of balance, face drooping, blurred vision or slurred speech. Allergic reactions or rashes. Cuts, burns or wounds. Headaches. Illnesses, such as colds, sore throats, earaches and low-grade fevers. Injuries, such as back pain, sprains and strains. Nausea, vomiting or loose stools. Play it safe. This chart is not medical advice or a complete list. If you think you have something serious or life-threatening, seek emergency care right away. Convenient care near you. The Emergency Department at T.J. Samson Community Hospital, Urgent Care at T.J. Health Pavilion, The Clinic at Walmart and the T.J. Health Cave City Clinic are here for your medical needs. Go to urgent care formild orminor: Where do you go when you need medical care quickly— say for a bump, a bruise or a bellyache? Urgent care centers can manage many minor illnesses and injuries. But some symptoms call for emergency care. Call 911 or go to the ER for: