Mermaid Beach Radiology
Summary
As the name suggests, Mermaid Beach Radiology is located in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
This provider offers advanced 3T full-body MRI using a Philips system as a partner clinic to Whole Body MRI TM. While Mermaid Beach Radiology has some information available on their website, including this dedicated full-body MRI page, the majority of this overview is based off of the information provided on Whole Body MRI website.
Mermaid Beach Radiology’s full-body scan is claimed to be the most comprehensive scan in Australia, including more sequences and data compared to other providers. They highlight their advanced technology, including SyMRI and NeuroQuant, as well as boast an exclusive solution to the infamous DWIBS distortion dilemma at 3T. This provides never-before-seen sensitivity in areas such as the neck and chest.
This provider has the longest scan time of all the providers (100 minutes), which Mermaid Beach Radiology justifies in providing more opportunistic data compared to
This provider also ranks high on patient experience front, with in-bore audiovisuals, bamboo loungewear and other scan day comforts.
Conditions Detected
Unique to providers in Australia, Mermaid Beach Radiology via Whole Body MRI(tm)’s website shares at great length the capabilities, limitations and conditions detected.
This provider clearly states that this scan is intended for cancer detection, with the ability to detect other life-limiting conditions such as aneurysms, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Uniquely, this provider offers additional imaging for even more opportunistic health data including brain quantification with SyMRI and NeuroQuant, liver fat and iron quantification, and the scan cost includes a low-dose CT chest and CT calcium score for better evaluation of lung health and cardiovascular risk.
The full list of conditions detected on the Whole Body MRI scan at Mermaid Beach Radiology can be found here.
Technology
This provider uses Philips 3T MRI, similar to another Southeast Queensland provider, Brisbane Radiology. However, this provider uses advanced technique and access to clinical science tools to overcome the challenges posed by full-body application of DWIBS. This is claimed to provide never-before-seen sensitivity and precision in areas traditionally considered a challenge.
Mermaid Beach Radiology boast other next-generation technologies including SPECTRAL CT (used for Spectral low-dose CT chest as apart of the full-body Imaging), NeuroQuant, SyMRI.
Cost
This provider is one of only a handful that publish their prices online. At the time of writing, the Whole Body MRI scan at Mermaid Beach Radiology is $3150.00 AUD including low-dose CT chest and coronary calcium score.
This provider also offers a comprehensive multi-modality screening package for a in-depth look at some areas that require targeted imaging (e.g. for the earliest detection of cancers), and other scans to evaluate metabolic, endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular health. This is somewhat unique, particularly in the Queensland area, with only HealthScreen in Victoria offering a similar multi-modality package.
To compare costs between providers, click here.
Patient experience
Mermaid Beach Radiology offers individuals undertaking a full-body MRI the following:
a gift of bamboo loungewear for increased comfort during the scan
audio-visual in-bore experience through specialised headwear to stream movies and TV shows during the scan.
post-scan refreshments, including coffee and snacks
On-site parking
Additionally, Mermaid Beach Radiology may arguably be the most highly rated radiology provider in Australia, with an impressive 5.0 star average with over 1500 Google reviews. Reviewers comment on state-of-the-art technology, excellent customer service, friendly staff, and well designed facilities.
MRIQ Recommendation
Mermaid Beach Radiology is hard to beat for patient scan experience, value and quality. At the time of writing, this facility is our top pick for full-body MRI.