Quality and stress-free MRI service from Weiss Medical Associates

Nov 13 2009

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) diagnostic clinic is an unlikely place to expect a warm, fuzzy, friendly staff. Having an MRI is serious business, often related to traumatic or orthopedic injuries, brain diseases or dental TMJ problems.

Receiving an MRI prescription is worrisome enough. It may confirm a serious condition that might also signal heavy costs for needed care. Whether wealthy or working class, everybody thinks twice about medical expenditures today.

Neurologist Dr. Gary M. Weiss founded Weiss Medical Associates Open MRI to ease patients' worries in every way. Since opening its Vail Valley doors in 2008, Weiss MRI's mission has remained constant: providing the best MRI care available at the lowest possible price.

Dr. Weiss' pedigreed training included Northwestern University's honors medical program and continued specialization at Mayo Clinic, with neurology and electrodiagnostic medicine board certification. These revered institutions cemented Weiss' holistic patient care philosophy.

For 25 plus years, Dr. Weiss has practiced patient-centered, first-rate medicine, recognized as one of "America's Top Physicians" by the Consumers' Research Council since 2006. In Mayo's own words, "The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered."

"We chose Hitachi's Airis II Open MRI based on the patient," comments practice director Bonnie McDonald. "In addition to superior quality imaging, this open design increases patient comfort and composure. Shorter scan times with less patient movement mean better high-resolution images."

Michelle Wolffe, Vail Valley's first registered MRI technologist, specialized at the University of Texas, Galveston. She's delighted to help deliver additional diagnostic options to Vail Valley at Weiss' new open MRI department. "I get immense satisfaction from helping patients receive their needed images, when they struggled or couldn't successfully complete them elsewhere.

"Since patients aren't confined in a tube, our MRI accommodates large patients, allows parents to hold children's hands during imaging and permits easier adjustment of injured patients. Claustrophobic patients appreciate that our MRI's accessible from four sides. Repeat MRI patients are amazed at how quiet the Airis II is, remembering previous MRIs rivaling a jackhammer."

Without distracting bony artifacts, MRI often delivers images superior to X-rays, and sometimes allows patients to avoid invasive biopsies and exploratory surgeries, removing that associated risk. Multiple Sclerosis, head injury and Alzheimer's patients need periodic MRIs to monitor their condition. Yet, many forego this critical procedure due to cost.

Patients benefit many ways from Weiss' standalone facility. First, a much less clinical environment reduces patient stress and anxiety. You'll find plenty of smiles and friendly staff ... no glaring fluorescent lights or white coats here.

Second, it's adjacent to the Gypsum/Eagle airport, convenient for those flying in, and a central location for Grand Junction to Frisco patients.

Third, Weiss accommodates work schedules with early morning and evening appointments every day. With an injury, Weiss can often schedule patients on the same day. Respecting their time-critical nature, Dr. Weiss personally reviews all neurological MRIs and Boulder Radiology reviews extremity images.

Most important, Weiss MRIs cost considerably less for an equal or better diagnostic image and patient experience, compared to expensive hospital settings. Often, patients' out-of-pocket expense is reduced by up to 60-70%, with 3rd party financing and payment plan provisions available. Weiss' goal is to arrange an MRI for every patient who needs one.

Fortunately, Colorado residents can now depend on expert MRI diagnostic care with a friendly human touch. Quality, comfortable and stress-less MRI is not just a service provided by Weiss Medical Associates, it's a mission. When MRI is needed, Weiss Open MRI is a win-win for patients and their checkbooks.