HCB News: What was the learning curve like for using the new system?
TB: The training the Canon Medical Systems team provided was remarkable and touched on everything needed to dive in and use the new MR system right away. This training expedited the learning curve associated with introducing the new system and it’s easy-to-use features. Now, we’re leveraging the system to do more for the local community and improve our business.

HCB News: Serving a rural community in Texas, has the new MR scanner changed your relationship with referring facilities in the area?

TB: The new system has had a positive impact on the volume of referrals the hospital receives. In fact, there has been a 20% increase in physician referrals per month. Prior to having the latest technology from Canon Medical, it was a challenge to provide the level of care that patients require due to imaging quality and availability. Now, the MR scanner provides high-quality imaging services daily, including procedures that were not previously available, such as renal scans, non-contrast MRA, brain mapping and carotid artery imaging.

HCB News: How are patients reacting to the new scanner and has it changed your patient population?
TB: Positive feedback from patients has been overwhelming. The new imaging suite is designed to deliver a patient-friendly examination with noise-reduction technology and offers a more spacious environment compared to the previous mobile MRI unit. Some patients drive as far as 85 miles to get the care the hospital can now deliver. The hospital has had over a 200% increase in MRI exams per month as a direct result of the new MR scanner.

HCB News: What has been the biggest surprise regarding the new system?
TB: The biggest surprise was just how integral the services we can now offer our local community would become to our business. It is impossible to imagine our business today without the system. Our experience with Canon Medical was exceptional and the system has revolutionized the business in far more ways than expected.

HCB News: What advice would you give to other rural facilities that are considering upgrading from a mobile part-time MR to their own fixed unit?
TB: A five year investment, with a 20-30 year return, the results of the MR scanner install speak for themselves. Other rural facilities should cooperatively recognize what is needed to best serve their community and create a plan to bring that necessary investment to fruition. Although investing in diagnostic imaging equipment can be daunting, Coon Memorial Hospital now provides better care to the local population of approximately thirteen thousand, as well as those in surrounding areas, because it was willing to lean into the challenge. Canon Medical has been helpful from the very beginning of this process all the way to installation, training of hospital staff, and beyond.

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