Premier Health MRI Expansion and Upgrade Project

By Tracy Short, ambulatory outpatient imaging director, Premier Health

MRI accessibility has been a significant priority for Premier Health’s imaging team over the past three years. In efforts to address access challenges, Rhonda Seidenschmidt, system vice president of ambulatory services, led her imaging teams through a comprehensive MRI expansion and upgrade project across the system in 2024. As of January 2025, all projects have been successfully completed, enabling the equipment to operate at full capacity. We are pleased to report a substantial reduction in patient wait times over the past few months. Below are the enhancements you can expect to see across the system.  

Miami Valley Hospital South added two new MRI systems, Siemens Altea (1.5 Tesla) and Lumina (3.0 Tesla).  The new systems have state-of-the-art technology, allowing quicker scan times and increased image quality.  Also, with the new systems, we now offer exams not previously offered at this location, such as breast and prostate imaging.  Both units have a short and open appearance to reduce patient anxiety and claustrophobia.   

Miami Valley Hospital Main upgraded all three MRI scanners to the latest GE technology, allowing faster imaging times, which improves efficiency and patient comfort.  The faster scan times come with enhanced image quality, improved software, and GE Healthcare AIR Coils. The improved coil technology makes it easier to get close to the patient, providing more coverage than traditional rigid coils. Additionally, all three MRI scanners are now wide bore 70cm, which mitigates some prior limitations based on patient body habitus.  

Springboro Medical Imaging Center has installed a new Oasis Velocity High Field Open MRI. This advanced system prioritizes patient comfort during MRI exams, making it particularly suitable for those who experience claustrophobia. The interior of the Velocity gantry offers a 270-degree unobstructed view, enabling patients to see outside the scanner while imaging takes place. Additionally, the powerful technology of the new system has reduced scan times, further enhancing patient comfort and center throughput.   

The Imaging team is immensely grateful for Premier Health's investment in the equipment. Our objective remains to minimize patient wait times for imaging services. 

Back to the May 2025 issue of Premier Pulse