The document is a request for proposal to purchase a high-field wide-open MRI scanner. It argues that a new wide-open MRI scanner would improve completion rates and patient comfort by accommodating patients with claustrophobia or large body habitus. Hospitals that have adopted similar scanners have seen increases in patient satisfaction, physician referrals, and MRI completion rates without compromising image quality. The proposal estimates that the new scanner would pay for itself within four years through increased revenue, compared to the hospital's current six-year payoff period for other scanners. It includes an evaluation plan to track completion rates and financial impacts over the first year and a half after installation.

1. Request for Proposal to Purchase a High-Field
Wide-Open MRI Scanner
Submitted by: Melissa Tobias
Date: September 27, 2013

2. Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (also known as MRI) is becoming more important every day. MRI
images are able to give insight to soft tissue detail and inform physicians of problems that they
may not otherwise detect. However, due to the weight limit and space of some MRI magnets,
certain patients are unable to complete the MRI due to either body habitus or claustrophobia. It is
with the addition of a high-field wide-open magnet that more patients are able to complete the
MRI without compromising soft tissue detail. With a greater completion percentage, revenue will
rise.
Request for Proposal
To purchase a high-field wide-open MRI scanner
Goal
The addition of a high-field wide-open MRI scanner will improve MRI study completions by
making the patient less claustrophobic and more comfortable without losing image quality.
Objective
Installation by January 2016, the high-field wide-open MRI scanner by January 2016 (due to a
lengthy installation process) will increase MRI study completions by 62% within the first year.
Introduction/Background
The log book in the MRI department records every patient scanned, along with their medical
record number (MRN), and other study related information. Simply scanning the log book for the
past year, one can identify the many highlighted studies that were not completed due to
claustrophobia and/or patient discomfort. With the switch to a high-field wide-open MRI
scanner, it would allow a higher completion percentage, without sacrificing image quality like
the hospital currently does by using the 0.7 Tesla open scanner for claustrophobic patients.
Not only would it be an easier and more comfortable test for all involved but we would be
removing the fear many patients experience when preparing for a MRI. More patients would be
willing to complete their MRI, knowing that the hospital has a high-field wide-open unit. With

3. this new unit, physicians would be less apprehensive in ordering an MRI because the patient
would have less anxiety about the entire experience. Physicians would also not have the worry of
sedating their possibly unstable patient in order to ensure they complete the MRI but instead feel
relief that this hospital is able to accommodate many different body habitus and anxieties with a
finesse that still allows high quality images.
Credibility
 Hospitals that have implemented a high-field wide-open scanner have experienced a 40%
increase in patient satisfaction due to lower anxiety (Bell, 70)
 There has been a 20% increase in physicians ordering an MRI since the implementation
of the new system (Philadelphia Hospital)
 A 34% increase in MRI scans being completed since the new system (Advancement in
Healthcare)
Budget
Benefits include 10 inches more anterior space, 45 inch bore length is half the size of a standard
MRI tube, and most studies can be performed feet first. Even though this would be a multi-
million dollar investment to buy the MRI scanner and then the construction involved for all
safety codes, due to the increase in patient completed exams, the scanner would be paid off
within four (4) years compared to our current scanners which are typically paid off in six (6)
years.

4. Evaluation
 The supervisor and head of the radiology department would review completed MRI
studies for a 5 month period to plot the increase in completion.
 After 10 months of scanning, the CEO will review the data collected and make any
additional changes to the hours the scanner is used and the number of patients allowed to
be scanned on machine.
 Finance Department will oversee the revenue that the hospital is receiving from the new
machine, compared to the other open unit that the hospital owns.
 Please review the attached 5 year revenue analysis that was constructed.
Appendix
Advancement in Healthcare (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.healthcareadvancements/imagingstatistics.org
Bell, Karen. (2012). The new age generation MRI scanner. Health Imaging, 26(4), 67-78.
http://dx.doi.org/56.445/k488-555.887
Philadelphia Hospital Advancements (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.philadelphiahospital/imaging.org