In-Field Upgrades for GE Healthcare 1.5T MRI Systems with SIGNA Explorer Lift Designed to Help Save up to 50 Percent on Replacement Costs

Upgrade program could benefit 10,000 systems to quickly and economically bring clinicians onto latest-generation platform

Waukesha, WI – May 20, 2015 –GE Healthcare introduced a new in-field upgrade program^ for 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in most regions globally. A currently installed GE Healthcare 1.5T LCC magnet may be upgraded to the new SIGNA* Explorer Lift so customers can benefit from the modernized patient comfort, workflow efficiency and diagnostic quality of this system. By upgrading, customers can potentially benefit from cost savings in multiple ways: up to 50 percent savings in construction cost, up to 50 percent savings in equipment[1] cost in comparison to a new 1.5T system, and up to 30 percent increase in procedures due to potential increased throughput and referrals[2].

 “In a time when healthcare systems are being challenged by reduced reimbursements and longer patient wait times,” said Eric Stahre, president and CEO of GE Healthcare MRI, “this upgrade program will enable them to add new clinical capabilities and access the increased efficiency of SIGNA Explorer while leveraging their current MRI investment. By extending their MRI capacity and service lines, clinicians may receive more referrals and therefore potentially generate more revenue. This program reinforces our commitment to the GE Continuum by providing clinicians with solutions to avoid obsolescence and remain up-to-date on the latest clinical offerings.”

 The upgrade is possible due to the endurance and quality of GE Healthcare’s magnet line, which recently celebrated it’s 10,000th magnet manufactured and installed from a single magnet line—an industry first.

 The SIGNA Explorer represents the latest offering from GE Healthcare, which is designed to help clinicians improve workflow, lower cost of ownership and improve patient comfort – all at the same time. This system was designed to use 34 percent less power than previous generation MRI systems and require a smaller footprint for installation. The upgrade to SIGNA Explorer covers an impressive range of productivity-enhancing applications and new features to enhance patient comfort compared to previous generation systems. For example, SilentScan, GE Healthcare’s revolutionary quiet technology, takes patient comfort to a new level. SIGNA Explorer and the upgrade also feature MAVRIC SL, which brings the power of MRI to patients with MRI-conditional metal implants by enabling visualization of soft tissue and bone near the implant.

 “Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center (OSMC) is very excited about our decision to purchase the Explorer upgrade for our existing magnet,” said Donald Hammond, CEO of OSMC in Elkhart, Ind., the first site to upgrade their system to the SIGNA Explorer Lift. “It is gratifying to know that a decision we made to choose GE over 10 years ago continues to give our organization significant benefits; including lower cost for upgraded versus new equipment as well as no construction cost associated with a new magnet while obtaining the most up-to-date clinical technology that provides our patients with exceptional quality and services available. GE Healthcare’s commitment to provide solutions for existing technology through the GE Continuum is an indication that GE Healthcare is a good business partner both now and in the future.“  

 ^This upgrade will start to be made commercially available to the GE Healthcare MRI installed base during the coming months, in the U.S. and other countries where the SIGNA Explorer is available for sale (and has been approved, cleared or registered by the appropriate regulatory authorities). Offer may not be obtainable in all regions. Please contact your local GE representative with any questions about this upgrade program, including if it is available in your region. Exclusions and other terms and conditions may apply.

*Trademark of the General Electric Company.

[1]Upfront cost includes equipment and construction required for the equipment install and potential mobile cost during downtime. Actual costs will vary depending on your site’s specific circumstances.

[2]With the SIGNA Explorer Lift, the system may be able to scan 2-3 more patients per day due to new capabilities and productivity.

 About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter – great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.