Beaumont's First Open MRI Ready for Use in Macomb Twp.

Beaumont Health System’s is now available to patients at the in Macomb Township.

The medical center, located at the corner of Hall Road and Tilch, is the first Beaumont facility to feature an open MRI.

"It provides a level of service to the community that isn't offered anywhere else," said Margaret Cooney Casey, Beaumont Foundation president, in a with Patch.

The purchase of the MRI was made possible by a $4-million gift from Chesterfield Township philanthropists Wayne and Joan Webber.

“The open MRI has excellent image quality and is ideal for orthopedic, pediatric and bariatric imaging,” said Duane Mezwa, M.D., corporate chief of Imaging Services for Beaumont Health System, in a release.

The new, open MRI is three times larger than its traditional counterpart and can support patients weighing up to 550 pounds.

Its open structure allows the patient to always see outside the magnet, which is ideal for patients who may be anxious, claustrophobic or obese.

Use of the MRI can be further enhanced with calming light, music and visual displays projected on the examination room walls. This “ambient experience” can project a relaxing mountain scene on the wall for an adult or cartoon characters for a child.

“This added feature is intended to keep our patients relaxed and comfortable,” Mezwa said. “And because the new MRI is three times more wide-open than a traditional MRI, it is large enough for parents to lie next to a child during imaging exams.”

MRI examinations are available every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., although patients must have a prescription order from a physician to make an appointment. To make an appointment, call the Beaumont Appointment Center at 800-328-8542.

The MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses a large magnet, pulses of radiofrequency waves and a computer to create detailed images of organs and structures within the body.