SAT. MRI

Has anyone used the MRI machine at the San Antonio Hospital? How was the experience?
I know costs vary per procedure but can you say what you paid for yours, plz?

What is most important is not the machine, but the expertise of the technician and the competence of the radiologist, who will read and interpret the resulting images.
Why are so many impressed by shiny new machines?

RVGRINGO wrote:What is most important is not the machine, but the expertise of the technician and the competence of the radiologist, who will read and interpret the resulting images.
Why are so many impressed by shiny new machines?

Because it's Mexico, and getting any new equipment around here is a big deal. No need to patronize. I really dislike that.

I had an MRI yesterday afternoon of lower lumbar and right hip....$4800 MX.
Results will be ready today after 3 pm.

The machine does make a difference according to my orthopedist. Some machines take larger "cuts" than others. You want a machine, probably newer, that takes smaller "cuts" and therefore gives a better picture of your area of concern.

The skill of the technologist is definetely an issue. I was asked to get a CT scan at SAT by two specialists. One was a Urologist, who preferred that I go to Guadalajara, the other was an Internal Medicine with an additional Nephrology specialty. The latter requested a contrast scan. The technichan refused to use the dye, saying it was too dangerous, that the doctor requesting it ( who is also Head of Nephrology at SAH) had to be present during the scan. He phoned the Nephrologist who told him to proceed with the contrast scan. The technician again refused. I asked to do the scan without contrast. He gave me the film within one hour, including radiologist comments. I took it to the Urologist, and he said this is completely useless, the film was improperly developed. The Nephrologist said he will have to have a word with the technician, that safe dyes have now been in use for many, many years. I had to return to SAH for a free replacement scan. This was all to see if I had any new kidney stones or blockages in my kidneys. I did not. A lot of wasted time and money.

I stand corrected....when I went to the Dr to look at results, he said they did not do the hip so back today for hip...another $4800 MX. VERY cold in there!!!