Where the Patient Comes First INSTITUTE OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

When Institute of Diagnostic Imaging (IDI) moved to its new location at 2829 South University Drive last October, it set a new standard for diagnostic testing in the area. The company’s founders felt the community needed more than the imaging the hospitals could provide. They wanted to create a comfortable atmosphere where patients would come first and have another option for imaging. Karyn Kemper, site manager, said, “We are unique in Fargo; a one-stop shop for all imaging needs.”

Combining this philosophy of comfort and genuine care with the latest industryleading technology is the mission of IDI.

“We offer a full array of imaging services to physicians in private practices as well as patients who choose a more intimate setting for their testing,” explained Kemper. “Anyone can request to use our services, no matter who their provider may be.” Those services include state-of-theart equipment offering a 64-slice CT scanner, ultrasounds, digital mammography, digital x-rays, and their brand new open MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio frequency waves and a strong magnetic field to produce images. Until recently, the best-quality high-field MRI was only possible with a closed MRI. “That’s why this is so exciting for us,” Kemper explained. “We are now able to compete in the market with closed MRIs by virtue of our new open MRI being a high-field magnet.” The narrow tunnel of the closed MRI often caused discomfort to the patient. Many individuals experienced acute anxiety or feelings of claustrophobia. Some patients needed to be sedated during the process. And because the tunnel is an enclosed space, larger patients were unable to receive an MRI.

The new open MRI has no narrow tunnel, so it substantially decreases anxiety and discomfort. It is open on all four sides, allowing the patient slight movement. For the most delicate patients, children and those who require additional assistance and encouragement, the open MRI allows friends or relatives to sit close by and hold the patient’s hand. The clinic’s open MRI also has an increased weight limit to accommodate patients of all sizes.

In all of their imaging suites, privacy and comfort are a top priority. “Every suite has its own changing room,” said Kemper. “No one has to walk around in a gown as they move from waiting area to imaging area.” Besides the main waiting room, IDI has very comfortable, smaller waiting areas for family and friends. Wi-Fi is available in all waiting areas for patients and families.

IDI’s number one concern is their patients. “We want their visit here to be as comfortable and convenient as possible,” stated Kemper, who manages the daily operations, the flow from the front desk and oversees the staff. That staff includes five clerical personnel and seven technologists who are all registered with ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). “Our company is small enough that everybody knows everybody, so we are very close, with very little staff turnover, almost like a family. We want that feeling to come across to our patients,” Kemper continued.

Those patients include children, expectant parents, and athletes of all ages. “We have a group of women from Barnesville who come in together for their annual mammograms and then go out for lunch and shopping,” said Kemper. “They like to make a day of it.” In October–Breast Cancer Awareness Month–IDI holds a drawing for a gift basket for all patients who have mammograms during that month.

Mammograms at IDI are open to anyone. Patients can make their own appointments; there is no need for a referral. Results are then sent to the physician of their choice. “We provide another option for patients. We want patients to know they do have a choice,” said Kemper.

In the spirit of full disclosure, this writer, who was overdue for an annual mammogram, decided to schedule with IDI at the conclusion of this interview. As luck would have it, they had an immediate opening, so I experienced the philosophy of caring and comfort first-hand. And, yes, it was exactly as described.

Institute of Diagnostic Imaging has been in business as an independent testing facility since 1997. They are located in Suite 102 of the University Medical Center.

“We wanted to create an intimate, spa-like setting inside our facility to help reduce stress for our patients,” said Kemper. “We want them to know how much we care about them.” Institute of Diagnostic Imaging remains an integral part of the Fargo/Moorhead area medical community. [AWM]