Smart Choice MRI gains new $7 million investment

Smart Choice MRI, a Wisconsin-based healthcare provider known for providing MRIs for an all-inclusive fee of $600 or less, has received a $7 million investment from health system Edward-Elmhurst Health.

The investment is expected to help fund groundbreaking at five new Smart Choice MRI locations in the Chicago area. The company currently has three open clinics surrounding Chicago, with another one due to open later this year. It also still runs six clinics in Wisconsin.

“A major market shift is occurring in the health care industry that’s driving more value-based medicine and consumerism, safe and effective care at a reasonable cost that also recognizes patient choice,” Rick Anderson, Smart Choice MRI CEO, said in a prepared statement. “The most forward-thinking hospital systems are responding to that shift by forging unique partnerships that better serve people. We’re proud to partner with Edward-Elmhurst. They understand that offering a high quality health care choice to its community benefits everyone.”

“This new partnership is in line with our mission to always advance the health of our communities,” Pam Davis, System CEO, Edward-Elmhurst Health, said in the same statement. “With our commitment to improvement, collaboration and innovation, this investment in Smart Choice MRI will provide greater service and choice to our patients as well as improved efficiency within our System.”

The companies also announced that Bill Kottmann, Edward Hospital president and CEO, will be joining Smart Choice MRI’s board of directors to represent Edward-Elmhurst Health’s interests.

Prior Radiology Business reporting of Smart Choice MRI’s fundraising can be read here. 

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.