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Mercy obtains state-of-the-art MRI

Patient care will improve through quicker, more detailed scans

02 / 23 / 2007

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OSHKOSH, Wis. – Mercy Medical Center is the first health care facility in the Fox River Valley and only the ninth in the state to provide state-of-the-art high definition magnetic resonance (HDxMR) system tests to patients.

“This is the most advanced imaging equipment available today, and we’re able to provide it to Oshkosh residents,” said Mike Kramer, Radiology manager at Mercy Medical Center. “What this means for patients is faster exams that produce the highest form of images available, allowing radiologists to more accurately evaluate a wide range of patient conditions.”

The new scanner, which is being installed Feb. 26 through March 12, will be used for breast MRIs, as well as specialized vascular applications and specialized brain imaging that wasn’t available in the past.

MRI uses computers and magnetic fields, rather than X-rays, to capture images of the human body. The new scanner at Mercy features leading-edge computer technology capable of providing more sophisticated exams.

“We’ll be able to capture dramatic patient images, reminiscent of high definition television,” said Faye Kamrath, director of Radiology for Affinity Health System. “The system provides outstanding image quality for a confident diagnosis, and less likelihood of patient rescans, even in the most challenging circumstances.”

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For the Editor:
Affinity Health System, a Catholic mission-oriented regional health care network, is a partnership of Ministry Health Care and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Affinity Health System is the Fox Valley’s third largest employer, according to the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and is ranked 24 among the top 100 integrated health care networks nationwide (Verispan 2008). Both St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh rank among the top 1 percent among hospitals nationwide in terms of quality and efficiency, as determined by the 2007 Premier | CareScience Select practice National Quality Award. Network Health Plan has achieved Excellent accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the highest possible level. It is ranked 37th among the 250 rated health plans in the nation in terms of customer satisfaction and clinical performance, according to the U.S. News and World Report/NCQA Best Health Plans in America listing. Members of Affinity include Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Health Foundation, Oshkosh; St. Elizabeth Hospital and the St. Elizabeth Hospital Community Foundation, Appleton; Affinity Medical Group, a regional network of 23 family practice and specialty clinics in 13 communities; Calumet Medical Center, Chilton; Network Health Plan, Menasha; and Affinity Occupational Health.