Imaging scans are an essential component of diagnosis and treatment. So when your doctor asks you to get an MRI, it benefits you to consider where you should have it done.
The first choice for most patients is the hospital, especially one their doctor is affiliated with. However, freestanding diagnostic imaging centers have gotten more popular in the past several years.
So, which facility should you choose for your MRI? Let’s look at a few key aspects and compare what hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers do for each one.
Cost-Effectiveness
Medical care is not cheap. Since your MRI is only one of the first steps to your treatment, it’s critical to cut down costs at this stage. In this regard, diagnostic imaging centers beat hospitals by a wide margin.
A pricing analysis from Amino, a healthcare data company, shows that MRIs in a hospital cost more than double the price of an MRI from a diagnostic imaging center. This difference has to do with hospitals’ operating expenses.
In addition to their radiology department, hospitals have various other divisions they need to handle. Hospitals are also open 24/7, adding to their overhead costs. These eventually get passed onto you. Many patients are also still unaware that freestanding imaging centers offer MRIs for a smaller fee. Thus, hospitals keep their prices high.
Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging centers are often small operations, with fewer layers of management and bureaucracy. Thus, the cost of running these facilities is significantly less than what hospitals require.
Patients also consider insurance coverage when looking for a place to get their MRI. Contrary to popular belief, most major insurance companies also cover imaging tests in outpatient facilities.
Imaging Quality
Just because diagnostic imaging centers offer cheaper services doesn’t mean their MRIs are subpar. Same as hospitals, these facilities employ board-certified radiologists. You can rest assured you’ll be given the same standard of care by licensed professionals. Since diagnostic imaging centers focus on radiology, they also invest in the most advanced imaging techniques.
Here at Starling Diagnostic, we keep up with technology. Most MRI machines operate at a magnetic intensity of 1.5 Tesla, or 1.5T. Our 3T MRI provides twice the magnetic strength, allowing us to detect even the most hard-to-see anomalies. The images that the 3T MRI produces are incredibly clear and colorful, making your diagnosis more accurate.
These can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Breast cancer detection
- Orthopedic diseases and injuries imaging
- Neurological scanning
- Service and Atmosphere
There are patients, especially children, who get frightened by the idea of visiting the hospital. MRIs, specifically, can induce fear as the process requires being in an enclosed space for quite some time. As such, when thinking about where to get your MRI, it’s worth considering the facility’s atmosphere.
Hospitals can feel like monolithic, unwelcoming structures. Parking can be difficult, and you will likely have to wait in dreary waiting rooms before it’s finally time to get your scan. Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging centers are smaller and less intimidating. Here at Starling Diagnostics, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff as soon as you walk through our doors.
We are also conscious of how diagnostic imaging can be sensitive for women. Our female-majority radiology department ensures patients’ comfort while undergoing scans. This extra care is in line with our women’s specialty health services. Here are some of the imaging tests we have specifically for women:
- 3D mammograms
- DEXA bone density scans
- Ultrasound
- Convenience
Convenience is another aspect where diagnostic imaging centers trump their hospital-based counterparts. Hospitals are busy. Most often than not, it will be almost impossible for you to get a same-day appointment for your MRI, and when it finally comes time for your scan, they might bump you down to accommodate emergency cases. Meanwhile, it’s easy for you to get a next-day or even walk-in appointment in diagnostic imaging centers.
Exceptional Diagnostic Imaging Center In Bronx, New York
Diagnostic imaging centers outdo hospitals when it comes to giving cost-effective and convenient service. So, the answer is clear: go to a freestanding imaging center for your MRI.
The only question left is, where?
If you’re in the Bronx area, your best choice is Starling Diagnostics. We have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and board-certified radiologists ready to give you the best quality care.
To schedule an appointment for your MRI and inquire about our other services, don’t hesitate to call us at (718) 319-1610. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
