New Artificial Intelligence technology at Baptist M&S Imaging benefits both patients, doctors with precision and time

(San Antonio, TX) -- Baptist M&S Imaging, the diagnostic imaging arm of Baptist Health System has implemented a new Artificial Intelligence-based technology called AIR™ Recon DL into its imaging suites. The technology is enhancing MR imaging to benefit both the patients and the radiologists who read and interpret these scans. For patients, the technology helps cut down their scan time substantially, from 45 minutes to 25 minutes and from 25 to 15 minutes, in some cases. Overall, there is approximately 40 percent reduction in scan time. Most common imaging of the spine and joints are performed in 10 to 12 minutes. For radiologists, the technology is making the images sharper and clearer to read, decipher and diagnose. Swifter scanning means doctors can better tailor imaging to each patient, adding sequences if needed.

Carlos Morales M.D., and Ankitkumar Patel, M.D, radiologists at Baptist M&S Imaging, said the technology is a game changer for imaging in San Antonio. The Baptist M&S Orthopedic & Neurologic Imaging Institute on Loop 1604 is the first location to receive this technology. Baptist M&S plans to install it at its other locations throughout San Antonio next year.

“We are very proud to be able to be the first in our city to offer this high level of imaging services to our patients,” Dr. Patel said. “Patients can come to us knowing that no stone will be left unturned when it comes to their scans. Our equipment provides high-quality images and is adaptable to all parts of the body, thanks to the AIR™ Recon DL,” he said. “Our patients’ health is our priority and so continuing to enhance our high-quality imaging services is our focus. It’s important we give them the best technology and experience we can offer,” he said.

Dr. Patel said the AIR™ Recon DL is programmed to use what is called a “deep-learning reconstruction algorithm” to target and eliminate the noise and corruptions that typically occur during any imaging process. The AIR™ Recon DL technology, which is embedded on each MRI machine, collects the raw data as a scan is in progress, filters it though its reconstruction pipeline, and delivers a highest quality image with reduced noise. The image appears directly on the radiology technician’s desktop while the patient is still in the scanner, where it can be seen for quality review and in turn reduces repeat scans.

Dr. Patel said because the the AIR™ Recon DL is so efficient in the imaging suites, it is also improving scheduling processes for staff and appointment and waiting times for patients. Walk-in patients can also be better served.

“This is a breakthrough in imaging innovations because it optimizes scans, which gives our radiologists an added advantage. Plus, it gives our patients peace of mind that they’re getting comprehensive imaging and instead of passing their time away in a waiting room or on an MRI gurney, they get time back to enjoy life and focus on their health,” Dr. Patel said.

For more than 50 years, Baptist M&S Imaging has provided quality diagnostic tests in San Antonio.

Baptist M&S Imaging is conveniently located at 13 outpatient radiology centers throughout San Antonio. They are located: downtown San Antonio, the Medical Center, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital on the south side, North Central Baptist Hospital in Stone Oak, the Westover Hills area, and in Schertz and New Braunfels. In addition, Baptist M&S Imaging operates Baptist Breast Centers in downtown San Antonio, the Medical Center area, Stone Oak, Westover Hills, and in Schertz.

Offering the latest radiology technology, physicians depend on Baptist M&S Imaging for Bone Density Exams (DXA), CT Scans (Computed Tomography Scans), MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Mammography – including Digital and 3-D and High Definition Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound Imaging, and X-Ray Services.

For more information on Baptist M&S Imaging, locations and to schedule an appointment, visit www.baptistmsimaging.com.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel, radiologist at Baptist M&S Imaging said: ““Our patients’ health is our priority and so continuing to enhance our high-quality imaging services is our focus. It’s important we give them the best technology and experience we can offer.” See Dr. Patel’s interview on the new AIR™ Recon DL in this KENS-TV news story here.