Open MRI is now available at Baptist Hospital East Diagnostic Imaging Center in Middletown, easing the tension of patients with a dislike of tight spaces.

Baptist Hospital East has three MRI units at the hospital’s Kresge Way location. This is Baptist East’s first open MRI that will benefit patients who are uncomfortable with the closed tunnels of traditional MRI units or who find them too snug. The machine’s design ensures the patient’s head will remain outside the magnet for most exams.

The .6 Tesla Philips Panorama open MRI model used at the Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center in Middletown is open on three sides so patients can see their surroundings during the test. Open MRI is perfect for patients who are anxious, claustrophobic or too large (up to 550 lbs.) for a traditional closed MRI, and patients may have a family member or friend beside them during testing.

Baptist East is one of the first in the city to provide the high field open MRI, which is three times stronger than other open MRI units and provides higher quality imaging that leads to a better diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Imaging Center currently provides outpatient laboratory and diagnostic imaging services such as CT scanning, ultrasound, X-ray and bone density testing. Hours for the center, located near the corner of Shelbyville and Evergreen, are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To schedule diagnostic procedures, call (502) 238-2828.

The Diagnostic Imaging Center is housed with Baptist Urgent Care, which provides treatment for minor emergencies and injuries. A second Baptist Urgent Care is located at 10000 Brownsboro Road near Northeast Christian Church. Both are open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.