7 Healthcast: Stand Up MRI

Whatever makes you comfortable -- that's the philosophy behind the new stand-up MRI. The Lifescan MRI is definitely different from traditional - and open-sided MRI - where patients lie down.

Lying down doesn't work for Deb Shay - because of her de-generated spine.

Debra Shay, MRI Patient
"They couldn't do the scan because I was in so much pain."

With a stand-up MRI, not only is there no pain, but her doctor gets a better reading of her spine.

Debra Shay, MRI Patient
"Both my physical medicine doctor and my internal medicine doctor felt that the scan would be more accurate in a weight bearing position."

Dr. Bill Ford, Radiologist
"We put them in an upright position and allow gravity to take its effect on the disks as well as the joints."

Dr. Bill Ford says patients can lie down, standup, or even sit. Both patients and doctors are pleased with the new options.

Dr. Bill Ford, Radiologist
"It was always the big question the surgeons would ask: I wonder what this looks like when the patient is standing up and has the problem."

Now they know. The other benefit: no claustrophobia and therefore no sedation for the patient, and it costs about the same.

Because it's so new -- some insurance companies are still evaluating whether they'll pay for the stand up MRI.