Fonar Corp (FONR)

[ProfitScout]

New Purchaser Says ``The Sky is the Limit'' with FONAR Upright MRI Technology

MELVILLE, N.Y., Apr 09, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FONAR Corporation ( FONR ), The Inventor of MR Scanning(TM), announced today that it has sold the FONAR FULL-RANGE-OF-MOTION(TM) MULTI-POSITION(TM) UPRIGHT(TM) MRI to Central Diagnostic Imaging Network (CDIN) in Southern California. The new unit will be the centerpiece of a multi-modality diagnostic imaging center in Sherman Oaks, California.

Maurice Hale, M.D., Medical Director and Director of Radiology for Central Diagnostic Imaging Network, explained why CDIN decided to purchase FONAR equipment: "We were being told by referring physicians - neurosurgeons, orthopedists, spine surgeons, chiropractors and pain specialists - that they needed this technology. So we investigated FONAR and the UPRIGHT(TM) MRI and learned that what differentiates the FONAR product from all its competitors is its unique ability to scan patients in a multitude of positions. Competitor scanners can only scan with the patient lying down, which does not allow referring physicians to see exactly what's happening when the patient is in his position of symptoms. Physicians want that information."

"If a person's neck hurts only when he flexes it forward," continued Dr. Hale, "how can the problem be properly diagnosed by obtaining an MRI with the patient lying down with his head resting in a pillow and with no symptoms? That scan may not show anything. Even if it does show something, one would have to guess how much worse the problem is when the patient flexes. That's a very awkward situation to put a surgeon in. With the FONAR, there's no need to. We believe 'the sky is the limit' for this technology."

"Besides the unique technological advantages of the FONAR unit," said Dr. Hale, "the product also offers the most patient-friendly MRI experience. What other MRI lets you be scanned sitting and watching a 42" flat-screen TV?"

When asked why he thought CDIN will be successful with this venture, Dr. Hale said, "There are about 50 MRIs in the densely populated San Fernando Valley and we'll be the only provider with a FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) MRI. Ours will be the only scanner that can do Multi-Position(TM) FULL-RANGE-OF MOTION(TM) imaging. That's especially critical for spine patients, who comprise about half of the MRI patient population. FONAR has the best scanner for large and claustrophobic patients, and it provides the most pleasant MRI experience possible. It's the uniqueness of the UPRIGHT(TM) MRI that will enable us to successfully compete with much larger medical entities. It's just a great product."

Raymond Damadian, president and founder of FONAR, said, "We at FONAR are gratified to hear that our newest customer reports that the medical community recognizes how much they need FONAR's new product. We have naturally believed it to be true but it is always nice hearing your customers say it. The improved results the medical community is experiencing from FONAR's new MULTI-POSITION (TM) technology are gratifying to hear."

About CDIN

Central Diagnostic Imaging Network, LLC (CDIN) was established in 2000 in Glendale, California to provide diagnostic radiology services. In the beginning, available services included Nuclear Medicine, X-ray imaging and CT-scan. As the community needs grew, CDIN followed by introducing mammography, ultrasound and , later, the first Open MRI in Glendale and surrounding cities.

Establishing itself as the leader in introducing cutting edge application, CDIN was one of the first free-standing diagnostic facilities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area to unveil state-of-the-art information technology including RIS/PACS and voice recognition technologies in order to further elevate technical quality and expedience in reporting findings to requesting physicians.

In our continuing quest to be at the forefront of diagnostics, CDIN is now obtaining the latest technology in MRI - FONAR UPRIGHT MRI for its new office in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.

Dr. Hale has a long history of service in diagnostic and invasive radiology. In addition to a very busy practice at CDIN, Dr. Hale has also served as a professor of interventional radiology at the Martin Luther King, Jr./Charles R. Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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 hundreds of MRI scanners worldwide. Their stellar product line includes the FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI (also known as the STAND-UP(TM) MRI), the only whole-body MRI that performs Full Range of Motion(TM) (ROM) Multi-Position(TM) imaging (mpMRI(TM)) that enables patients to be scanned in numerous weight-bearing positions, i.e. standing, sitting, in flexion, in extension and, in particular, in the position that generates symptoms, so that a picture can be obtained of the actual pathology giving rise to the patient's symptoms (e.g. pain). The scanner also performs all the scans of a conventional MRI with the patients in the usual lie-down position. The FONAR UPRIGHT(TM) Full Range of Motion(TM) (ROM) Multi-Position(TM) MRI often sees the patient's problem that other scanners cannot, because they are lie-down only. Approximately 85% of patients are scanned sitting while they watch a 42" flat screen TV. For more information please visit: www.fonar.com.

The Inventor of MR Scanning(TM), Full Range of Motion(TM), STAND-UP(TM), UPRIGHT(TM), Multi-Position(TM), pMRI(TM), True Flow(TM), and The Proof is in the Picture(TM) are trademarks of FONAR Corporation.

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

FONAR Corporation
Daniel Culver, 631-694-2929
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
http://www.fonar.com


Copyright Business Wire 2007