FONAR/GE Sells FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Full Range-of-Motion(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI to Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI)
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb 05, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ:FONR), The Inventor of MR Scanning(TM), announced today, that General Electric Healthcare (GEHC) (www.gehealthcare.com/usen/mr/fonar_standing_ovation/index.html) a manufacturer's representative of FONAR, and FONAR have sold a FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Full Range-of-Motion(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI to the Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Founded by distinguished Spine Radiologist Dr. Kenneth Heithoff in 1981, CDI was one of the first outpatient imaging providers in the country. CDI currently owns and operates 39 diagnostic imaging centers in eight states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Washington, and Florida. CDI's distinction arose from its unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and its subspecialized radiologists.
"The purchase of FONAR's UPRIGHT(TM) Full Range-of-Motion(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI is foundational to our newly formed partnership with the Northwestern College of Chiropractic (Northwest Health Science University). Through this collaboration, we're committed to offering the most comprehensive imaging services to physicians and our patients to meet their unique imaging needs, as well as furthering the science of imaging for the chiropractic community," said Robert Baumgartner, CEO of CDI. "In terms of MRI services, the addition of this Open UPRIGHT(TM) system means our patients have access under one roof to a 3T MRI, 1.5T MRI, and axial loading in an upright/supine scanner. In addition, the open architecture of this scanner provides another MR imaging option for severely claustrophobic patients, as well as obese patients."
FONAR believes that the ability of its new MRI technology to fully visualize all body parts, and particularly the spine, fully weight-loaded and in its full range of normal positions, is a key new capability it is bringing to MRI. In particular, the positioning capability of the FONAR scanner permits the MRI operator, with the patient's cooperation, to position the patient in the actual position that engenders his/her symptoms, so that a picture can be taken of the patient's body part in the exact position that generates his/her symptoms.
"FONAR's new technology, that enables visualization of full weight-bearing flexion and extension of these key body parts, will add a new dimension of service to CDI's state-of-the-art imaging facility," said Raymond Damadian, M.D., president and founder of FONAR. "We expect our UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) FONAR scanner will increase the precision of radiologic diagnosis, which will mean improved outcomes for patients," he continued.
About CDI
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) has been a leader in high-quality, cost-effective, outpatient radiology imaging services since 1981, and currently owns and operates 39 diagnostic imaging centers in eight states. CDI partners with hospitals and health systems to offer physician-led, outpatient radiology services and the expertise of subspecialized radiologists focused on neurological, spine, musculoskeletal, body, and cardiovascular imaging, in addition to advanced diagnostic injections and pain management procedures. For more information about CDI, visit www.CDIradiology.com.
About FONAR
FONAR(R) was incorporated in 1978, making it the first, oldest, and most experienced MRI manufacturer in the industry. FONAR introduced the world's first commercial MRI in 1980, and went public in 1981. Since its inception, FONAR has installed many hundreds of MRI scanners worldwide. Their current product line includes the FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI and the FONAR 360(TM). The FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI (also known as the Stand-Up(TM) MRI), is the only whole-body MRI that performs Multi-Position(TM) imaging (mpMRI(TM)) and scans patients in numerous weight-bearing positions, i.e. standing, sitting, in flexion and extension, as well as the conventional lie-down position. An additional benefit of the FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI is its non-claustrophobia. The only thing in front of the patient's face is a 42-inch flat screen TV. With nearly one half million patients scanned, the patient-friendly FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI has a near zero claustrophobic rejection rate by patients. As one FONAR user puts it, "if the patient is claustrophobic in this scanner, they'll be claustrophobic in my parking lot." Approximately 85% of patients are scanned sitting while they watch the 42 inch flat screen TV. FONAR is headquartered on Long Island, New York, and has approximately 400 employees.
This release may include forward-looking statements from the company that may or may not materialize. Additional information on factors that could potentially affect the company's financial results may be found in the company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: FONAR Corporation
CONTACT: FONAR Corporation
Daniel Culver, 631-694-2929
Fax: 631-390-1709
www.fonar.com
invest2007@fonar.com
Copyright Business Wire 2007
