Spokane Advance Imaging Institute Brings First and Only State-of-the-Art Imaging Technology to Spokane, Wash., with Opening of Its New Center.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane Advanced Imaging Institute (SAII), a joint venture between Empire Health Systems, which owns Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane and Valley Medical Center in Spokane Valley, Spokane Radiology Consultants (SRC), a local radiology practice, and National Medical Development, Inc. (NMDI) of Bellevue, Wash., which develops, owns and operates outpatient healthcare services businesses, announced today the opening of its first diagnostic imaging center in the Spokane, Wash. area.

The new 2,000-square-foot SAII center, located in the Health and Education building at Deaconess Medical Center, brings revolutionary imaging technology to the local Spokane medical community. The center will house the first - and only - 3 Tesla (3T) scanner within a 150-mile radius of Spokane.

The Philips 3T is the next-generation high field magnetic resonance scanner and provides the best image quality available in the marketplace today. The 3T scans significantly faster than units currently being used today and possesses the ability to perform a diverse range of scans. Any exam, from neuro, musculoskeletal and abdominal imaging to functional and cardiac studies, contrast-enhanced angiography and spectroscopic imaging, can be completed quickly and more efficiently with a 3T. Additionally, the unit offers clinical versatility and customization capabilities that can be tailored to meet a center's specific needs.

In addition to being home to the most advanced scanner within a 150-mile radius of Spokane, SAII's new state-of-the-art center will boast many features including better scheduling capabilities, faster reporting turnaround times, improved film distribution and expertly designed space to enhance the patient imaging experience.

"With the opening of SAII's first center, the Spokane community will no longer have to travel far to undergo this type of advanced testing. Previously, patients had to travel in excess of 250 miles to Seattle to receive this type of superior scan. The advanced scanner will enable patients and their referring physicians access to the latest advances in neuro-vascular and functional imaging. We are pleased to bring this technology to Spokane, and look forward to ways in which it will change the face of local healthcare here," commented Steve Case, marketing manager for SAII.

Ron Cocchiarella, MD, president at SRC, added: "This technology will offer our medical community a choice to obtain more detailed imaging than any existing product in this region. We expect the added benefits to result in more specific diagnoses, shorter exam times, and enhance Spokane's tertiary medical status."

"Our 25-year relationship with SRC serves as an excellent springboard as we unveil our newest capability to the Spokane medical community. In addition to providing the latest innovation in technology, our patients will also witness many other benefits of the 3T. Its versatility enhances center workflow and therefore, will expedite the time patients spend at the center. The new center and 3T unit will prove invaluable to so many throughout Spokane and the surrounding communities," stated Bruce Butler, Deaconess Medical Center.

SAII is a leading the way in medical imaging technology through its pioneering facilities in Spokane. Please visit www.spokaneadvancedimaging.com to learn more.

Bellevue, Wash.-based National Medical Development Inc. specializes in the analysis, development, marketing and operation of outpatient medical facilities that span the healthcare spectrum including those in diagnostic imaging, cardiology, endoscopy and surgery centers. NMDI's strategy is centered on building productive, cooperative relationships between local hospitals and physician groups. Founded in 1991, the privately held NMDI currently operates centers located primarily in the western U.S. The company has developed more than 40 projects with a total capitalization in excess of $100 million. For more information, go to www.natmed.net.

Deaconess Medical Center is a fully accredited, 388-bed hospital located in the heart of downtown Spokane, and serves a four-state area including eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana and northern Oregon. Deaconess Medical Center, with a staff of more than 650 physicians and 175 consulting doctors and health professionals, is a Level II trauma center and also a leader in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases, cancer and services for mothers and their newborn babies. Additional details about Deaconess Medical Center can be found at www.deaconessmc.org.

SRC is a radiology consulting practice that has operated within Spokane for 25 years. Over the last two decades, the group of six physicians has provided consulting serves directly to Deaconess Medical Center, Valley medical Center and outpatient imaging centers throughout Spokane.