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Edward-Elmhurst invests $7 in MRI provider

NAPERVILLE - Edward-Elmhurst Health is investing $7 million in Mequon, Wisconsin-based Smart Choice MRI, the first MRI provider in the country to offer every MRI for an all-inclusive fee of $600 or less.

The Edward-Elmhurst Health investment will fuel the groundbreaking of five new Smart Choice MRI clinics in the Chicago area, beginning in the fall with Bolingbrook, Oswego and Lombard, as well as an expansion into Minneapolis. Edward-Elmhurst Health doctors will continue to make MRI referrals based on the most appropriate location for patient care.

"This new partnership is in line with our mission to always advance the health of our communities," said Pam Davis, System CEO of Edward-Elmhurst Health. "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."

Smart Choice MRI currently has three Chicago area clinics in Schaumburg, Glenview and Skokie, and another due in downtown Chicago in July. Smart Choice MRI also supports six Wisconsin clinics.

"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. The most forward-thinking hospital systems are responding to that shift by forging unique partnerships that better serve people," said Rick Anderson, CEO of Smart Choice MRI. "We're proud to partner with Edward-Elmhurst. They understand that offering a high quality health care choice to its community benefits everyone."

Bill Kottmann, recently announced as President & CEO of Edward Hospital, will join Smart Choice MRI's board of directors to represent Edward-Elmhurst's system interest in the partnership.

Edward-Elmhurst Health is the second health care system to invest in Smart Choice MRI. ThedaCare, the largest health care system in Northeast Wisconsin, announced an investment of $3 million in February. Capital raised to fund a national expansion totals $14.5 million to date.

Smart Choice MRI uses state-of-the-art GE technology and all scans are interpreted by subspecialty, board-certified radiologists at the Cleveland Clinic. The price is always an all-inclusive $600 or less, which includes the scan as well as its reading.

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