MRI / Procedures

Ingenia Leg 1M1 Imaging provides open MRI technology using a mobile unit in a beautiful setting to make it easy for patients to feel comfortable. Based around a state of the art Philips Ingenia 1.5 Telsa magnet and a wide 70cm bore, our MRI has a much more open feel than conventional systems so patients feel less claustrophobic and more relaxed.

M1 holds the exclusive Michigan license for DynaWell L-Spine, the only weight-bearing MRI currently in use in the state of Michigan.

A few facts about our technology:

  • M1’s Philips open MRI with wide bore accommodates 550 lbs capacity.
  • Weight-bearing MRI, also known as Axial-loaded MRI, simulates a standing position by applying compression to the lumbar spine. Our imaging captures how a patient actually feels while standing, and takes into account the effect of gravity on a person’s spine.
  • The compression device, exclusively available at M1, reveals herniation and bulges that do not present as significantly in a relaxed position. This is the best way to see what is really going on!
  • Flexion and Extension MRI of the C-spine, in addition to our standard supine scan, allows a physician to see the patient’s neck while bent up and down. Many times patients with whiplash or other neck conditions are in greater pain while flexing and extending the neck. M1 Imaging is the exclusive center to capture these discords, giving physicians three scans in one order so they can see a complete picture.
  • M1 Imaging uses a specialized protocol called Susceptibility Weighted Image (SWI). The SWI image is possible through the use of algorithms that differentiate the densities of adjacent tissues; the SWI scan is 3-to-6 times more sensitive as it accounts for the susceptibility of all brain elements, including hemorrhages.
  • M1 Imaging offers better dynamic joint imaging, using high-field coils that specifically targets joints and provides the best images available in Michigan.
  • Turn-around time for M1 reporting is 24 hours – Dr. Chintan Desai, our chief radiologist, reads reports daily.
  • M1 allows physicians access to the American College of Radiology website to guide appropriateness of MRI ordering. This helps doctors determine which MRIs are needed for their patients.

patient500DynaWell L-Spine is an invention pioneered by NASA that enables more specific diagnosis of the lumbar spine. It is non-invasive and simple to use with MRI.

This technology was invented by a spinal surgeon and radiologist. The non-magnetic device achieves compression through a vest the patient wears attached to straps that connect to a foot-compression device. Scanning patients with symptoms of Sciatica and Neurogenic Claudication with this technology leads to 60-70% more information than standard imaging.

MRI / Procedures FAQ

  • What is a weight-bearing MRI and how does it work?

    Weight-bearing MRI, also known as Axial-loaded MRI, simulates a standing up position by applying compression to the lumbar spine. The imaging captures how the patient actually feels while standing, and takes into account the effect that gravity has on a patient’s spine. The MRI technician attaches the DynaWell compression device to the patient prior to entering the open MRI and applies 50% of the patient’s body weight in compression. This closes the gaps in the L-spine thereby revealing herniation and bulges that did not present as significantly when the patient was in a relaxed position. Adding 50% compression does not create false positives of medical conditions that do not exist.
    Weight-bearing MRI provides the highest quality imaging available for the L-spine and can influence physician treatment decisions. Most importantly, it gives the physician more insight into the true nature of the patient’s condition, and gives the patient more comfort in knowing their doctor has found their source of pain that previously went undetected.
    Furthermore, weight-bearing MRIs are currently used around the country even though M1 Imaging is the first facility to bring this groundbreaking technology to Michigan. The benefits of weight-bearing imaging have not been disputed and serve as direct evidence in court cases.

  • What is Flexion and Extension MRI for C-Spine?

    Flexion and Extension MRI allows the physician to see the patient’s neck not only while it is in a supine position but also while the neck is bent up and down. Many times patients with whiplash or other neck conditions are in greater pain while they are flexing and extending their neck. M1 Imaging is able to capture these discords while other MRI centers in the area do not provide this technique. The patient benefits from having better image data and it does not take very long to add flexion and extension to the patient’s scan time.

  • How is the M1 Imaging protocol different than most MRI centers for Traumatic Brain Injuries?

    M1 Imaging uses a specialized protocol called Susceptibility Weighted Image (SWI). The SWI image is possible through the use of algorithms that differentiate the densities of adjacent tissues. While the signal density forms the basis of all MR scans, the SWI scan is 3-to-6 times more sensitive as it accounts for the susceptibility of all brain elements, including hemorrhages – hence the name susceptibility-weighted image. This differs from the more common DTI protocol. DTI works by measuring the diffusion of water through tissue. With DTI, measurements are isolated to identify the preferred direction of flow, which allows for the isolation of neural tracts from the brain’s white matter. The SWI image shows iron concentrations in the brain and can detect a brain hemorrhage even when the general brain scan appears negative.

  • Does M1 Imaging have better dynamic joint imaging than most MRI facilities?

    Yes, M1 Imaging uses High Field coils that specifically target the joints and provide much better images than competitor MRIs.  Our imaging of shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet provide a greater level of detail and much higher resolution than most facilities can offer.

  • What is M1’s reporting turn-around time and are the reports accessible online?

    Dr. Chintan Desai, the chief radiologist for M1 Imaging, reads reports on a daily basis and our office will fax your patient’s report within 24-48 hours. Physicians are given a username and password to log into their own online database where they can see all their patient’s reports in one place, as well as the key images and prior reports. Physician staff can download a PDF version of the report onto a computer hard drive and upload it into a patient’s file.

  • Do you offer ACR portal access?

    M1 allows its physicians to access the American College of Radiology website to guide appropriateness of MRI ordering. The website will help doctors determine which MRIs are needed based on a set of symptom criteria. This way, physicians can be sure they are ordering the right MRI protocol for their patient’s condition.

  • Does M1 Imaging charge extra for these specialized MRIs?

    No, M1 Imaging provides exceptional value to patients.  We bill at 60% of the national average, and we do not charge additional fees for the weight-bearing, flexion and extension, and TBI protocol.  We take almost all insurance including BCBS, Medicare and Medicaid.

  • How do I contact M1 Imaging Center?

    If you have questions about scheduling, or the benefits of M1 Imaging Center for all your MRI needs, please contact us using for form below. You can also contact us via email at info@m1imagingcenter.com or by calling us at (248) 268-2119.

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    Procedures Offered

    • Musculoskeletal imaging -
    • High-resolution static and dynamic joint studies -
    • Neurological imaging -
    • High-resolution peripheral angiography -
    • Total spine multi-station imaging -
    • Spectroscopy of the brain and internal organs -
    • Vascular system imaging -