Iowa Specialty Hospital

Discover a More Comfortable MRI Experience in Belmond

May 13, 2025

The new wide-bore MRI machine at the Belmond location of Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics.

Introducing the New Wide-Bore MRI at Our Belmond Clinic

At Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics in Belmond, we know that getting an MRI can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're dealing with pain, anxiety, or worry about feeling cramped in a small space. That’s why we’re proud to now offer a wide-bore MRI machine, designed with your comfort in mind, without compromising on image quality.

What Is an MRI, and Why Do You Need One?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It’s a safe, non-invasive way for doctors to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI scans help us diagnose a variety of health conditions, including:

  • Joint or spinal injuries
  • Brain and nervous system issues
  • Heart and blood vessel conditions
  • Tumors and cancer
  • Liver, kidney, and lung problems
  • And much more

The machine uses a strong magnet and radio waves, not radiation, to create clear, high-resolution images that help your doctor understand what’s going on inside your body.

What Makes a Wide-Bore MRI Different?

Traditional MRI machines have a narrow opening or “bore” that’s about 60 centimeters wide. This smaller space can feel tight, especially if you’re plus-size, have limited mobility, or experience claustrophobia.

The new wide-bore MRI machine in Belmond has a larger opening, 70 centimeters across. That extra 10 centimeters makes a big difference for your comfort and peace of mind. Even though it’s still a closed MRI (meaning you’re surrounded by the machine during the scan), the roomier design helps many patients feel less confined.

A Better MRI Experience for Everyone

Here’s how our wide-bore MRI at the Belmond campus is designed to help you feel more at ease:

Less Claustrophobia, More Comfort

Feeling anxious in small spaces is more common than you think. The wider opening in our new MRI reduces that “trapped” feeling and gives you more breathing room, both physically and mentally.

Better Fit for Larger Body Types

We believe everyone deserves high-quality care with dignity. The wide-bore MRI is a more inclusive option that comfortably accommodates larger patients, up to 500 pounds, and allows for easier positioning during the scan.

Faster, High-Quality Imaging

This isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about accuracy. Our wide-bore MRI uses strong magnets that provide sharp, detailed images quickly. Shorter scan times mean less time lying still and a lower chance of needing a repeat exam due to movement.

Safe and Non-Invasive

As always, MRI scans are radiation-free. They're safe for most people, though we’ll check for any metal implants or devices before your scan.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive for your MRI appointment at the Belmond campus, our caring team will walk you through each step. Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. Preparation: You’ll remove any metal objects like jewelry or hearing aids and change into a gown if needed.
  2. Positioning: You’ll lie on a comfortable table that gently moves into the scanner.
  3. The Scan: The MRI makes loud thumping or tapping sounds, but we’ll give you ear protection. The scan itself is painless, and we’ll stay in touch through a speaker system.
  4. Afterward: Once the scan is done, you can resume your day. A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor.

We’re Here to Help You Feel at Ease

At Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, we believe that your comfort is part of your care. Our investment in a wide-bore MRI is just one of the ways we’re making advanced diagnostics easier and more welcoming for everyone in our community.

If you or a loved one needs an MRI and has concerns about space, anxiety, or body size, ask your provider about scheduling your MRI scan at our Belmond location. You deserve an experience that puts your health and your comfort first.

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