Becker's Spine Review

22 Executive Briefing or ankle. "They get to customize their needs and tailor them [the MRIs], whether they are hand surgeons, spine surgeons or podiatrists." • Greater value. Instead of requiring patients to get MRIs in a higher-cost hospital setting, an in-office MRI can be performed at lower cost and greater value. Mr. Gibbs said that the cost to purchase and install MRIs in offices is lower than for hospitals, as is the cost to operate these MRIs. "The cost of the examination could be less because the infrastructure costs are less," he said. Ultimately, in-office MRIs deliver on the fundamental premise of value-based care because they provide "the right examination, using the right technology, at the right time for patient care," Ms. Hughes said. Technological advances are improving MRI imaging, especially for the in-office setting Several important technological changes provided by Esaote make in-office MRIs an attractive option for both surgeons and patients. Among Esaote's offerings include the O-scan, the S-scan and the G-scan. • O-scan is designed to scan the upper and lower extremities, including elbows, wrists, hands, knees, ankles and feet. • S-scan is an open-concept MRI designed to scan the spine, extremities and the hips and shoulders and is frequently used in orthopedic clinics. • G-scan can scan the same areas as the S-scan but also has capabilities to scan a patient in an upright position for a weight-bearing examination. All three of these models have a small footprint, allowing for easy installation in an office or an imaging center. They also don't require as much power or infrastructure as a conventional MRI. Unlike conventional MRIs that have an enclosed capsule design, which many patients are uncomfortable with, the models from Esaote have an open concept design, where a patient has open space around them. This is a gamechanger for those patients with claustrophobia and those who may require medication before an MRI exam. Esaote's weight-bearing capability is a unique enhancement that allows an MRI to be taken in the specific situation when a patient's pain presents itself. "MRI scans are often done on the spine with a patient lying down, but their clinical condition only shows up when they are sitting or standing," Mr. Gibbs said. "Scanning in a weight-bearing scenario is important to assessing a patient." It also provides more information to surgeons to help them prepare for surgery," Mr. Pedretti said. "Surgeons — orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons — are interested in scanning the patient in the position in which their pain presents itself," Ms. Hughes said. This could be when a patient bends their neck, sits at a computer or even when a patient is in motion. Ms. Hughes explained that "motion imaging" is now possible by conducting a true motion dynamic study. In-office MRIs have significant operational and financial advantages for surgeons' practices In addition to the speed advantages of faster diagnosis and treatment, by having an in-office MRI, a practice doesn't need to send patients out for an MRI. "It helps retain patients within the facility and improves the patient flow," Mr. Gibbs said. "In one location there is a single point of reference for the whole therapeutic process, which is very much appreciated by the patient," Mr. Pedretti added. Having an MRI capability within the practice is an important tool to help a practice grow, improve its cash flow, and positions it well for a value-based environment. Over the next five years, in-office imaging "is going to continue to grow and is going to become more accepted," Mr. Gibbs predicted. He added, "Clinicians are becoming more demanding in wanting to have an MRI within their facility. I see it's going to grow, and people want to have more access to an MRI at the point where the patient sees a clinician." No longer will MRIs be just the domain of hospitals and radiology departments; they will become widespread in clinics, practices and offices. n Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare. We design, manufacture and market orthopedic reconstructive products; sports medicine, biologics, extremities and trauma products; office based technologies; spine, craniomaxillofacial and thoracic products; dental implants; and related surgical products. We collaborate with healthcare professionals around the globe to advance the pace of innovation. Our products and solutions help treat patients suffering from disorders of, or injuries to, bones, joints or supporting soft tissues. Together with healthcare professionals, we help millions of people live better lives. "Clinicians are becoming more demanding in wanting to have an MRI within their facility. I see it's going to grow, and people want to have more access to an MRI at the point where the patient sees a clinician." Stephen Gibbs, MRI Sales and Marketing Manager, North America

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