MRI technology helping Athens patients receive faster care

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Patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators have historically faced major challenges when trying to receive an MRI because the magnetic fields used during scans can interfere with certain heart devices.

Now, Athens-Limestone Hospital says new remote technology is helping reduce those delays while expanding access to care closer to home.

For Athens resident Jackie Sneed, getting an MRI became a frustrating process after doctors told him he needed imaging to better understand ongoing back problems.

“Several years back I was having a problem, they said I needed a MRI, so I was scheduled,” Sneed said

Instead of quickly receiving answers, Sneed said his pacemaker complicated the process.

“I found out that with the pacemaker it’s a little more complicated because there had to be a rep from the pacemaker company present,” Sneed said.

Sneed said he underwent additional testing, but doctors continued recommending an MRI.

“They said, ‘You got to have an MRI,’” Sneed said.

Athens-Limestone Hospital officials said the delays often happened because device representatives had to physically travel to hospitals before scans could safely take place.

“The reps were having issues getting to locations because there were so many locations and so many patients,” said Luther Shelton, imaging manager at Athens-Limestone Hospital.

Hospital leaders said the new system allows radiology teams to connect remotely with cardiac device specialists in real time without requiring representatives to be physically present.

Officials said staff can now review device information ahead of time to determine whether an MRI can safely be completed through remote technology.

“it’s very important. you’ve got patients that we don’t know their pain level, we don’t know their situation, but lots of times we just receive orders from physicians trying to get…

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