$24M hospital expansion will cut MRI wait times from 2.5 months to 2.5 days

Hannah Murphy | July 30, 2026 | Radiology Business | Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A Los Angeles-based children’s orthopedic group is investing millions to expand its imaging services.

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children has launched a $24 million expansion that will add a next-generation hybrid MRI system to its services. The new scanner is expected to significantly reduce pediatric MRI wait times from about 2.5 months to just 2.5 days, according to an announcement from the group. The nonprofit pediatric hospital broke ground this week on its Innovation Campaign, which includes the installation of a new 3T Siemens MRI system designed to deliver advanced imaging with CT-like diagnostic detail while also avoiding radiation exposure for pediatric patients.

The project also will expand specialty clinics and patient care space to accommodate growing demand for pediatric orthopedic services. LuskinOIC, which partners with UCLA Health and provides more than 60,000 patient visits annually, said the new advanced imaging center is intended to accelerate diagnoses and treatment by dramatically improving access to MRIs. The expanded capacity is expected to address delays that can postpone treatment for children with orthopedic conditions.

Hospital leaders gave the example of a pediatric scoliosis patient whose care was delayed more than eight months while awaiting MRI approval, emphasizing the need for faster access to advanced imaging. The organization suggested the investment will help improve access to specialized pediatric musculoskeletal imaging regardless of a family's ability to pay, as more than 80% of patients are underinsured.

The hospital, which has been in operation for over 115 years, is the largest provider of children’s orthopedic services on the West Coast.