The Radiology Department plays a significant role in diagnosing many illnesses. Certified mammography services and technicians, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and CT scanner equipment enable physicians to make a comprehensive diagnosis. With the advancement of new imaging technology, the department is continuously improving the quality of care offered to patients.

New MRI Provides Quicker Testing for Patients

The addition of the new Murphy Medical Center radiology department has brought about some significant advantages for patient diagnostic care. The $5 million project includes a new 15,560 square foot facility connected to Murphy Medical Center, and state of the art equipment including a $1 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

MRI is a multi-plane diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency waves to obtain images. Through the machine, a registered MRI tech is able to visualize bone, soft tissue, spinal cord injuries and many other abnormalities. A major advantage of the MRI is the ability to obtain high resolution images without the use of radiation.

Jason Dolita, Registered Radiology and MRI Technician, recently came to Murphy Medical Center from Roper Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. He joins Keith Parker, Registered Radiology Technician.

“We perform about eight MRI scans each day,” states Mr. Dolita. “If a physician requests an MRI for a patient, we can usually perform the test on the same day.”

Mr. Parker states that the addition of the MRI assists physicians in giving their patients quicker results of their diagnostic testing. “Before the new radiology building was completed, Murphy Medical Center rented a mobile MRI Unit two days a week. When a physician ordered an MRI, the patient might have to wait two to three weeks for an appointment. Now, we can usually get the patient in within the same day or, at latest, the same week.”

Murphy Medical Center would like to thank the community for their financial support of the Radiology Project. Working together, we are building an excellent healthcare system for Western North Carolina and surrounding areas.