Independence Health System Introduces MRI Technology to Reduce Scan Times for More Comfortable Patient Experience

Left to right: Jamie Werner, Imaging Supervisor; Amy Krazel, Imaging Manager; Karen Ranieri, MRI Tech; Tara Elkin, System Director of Imaging Services; Mike Sekhon, Vice President Ancillary Services; Victoria Costlow, MRI Tech.

GREENSBURG, PA, April 16, 2026 … Independence Health System today announced its newest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology at The Square at Norwin — part of a number of investments the health system is making to provide high quality care for its patients. The new scanner — Siemens Altea, 1.5 Tesla Wide Bore — reduces scan time, increasing availability for MRI scans for patients and limits the amount of time patients spend in the scanner and at the appointment. 

“Independence Health System is pleased to introduce this MRI technology to Westmoreland county residents,” said Brian Fritz, President, Westmoreland, Latrobe & Frick Hospitals. “As a community-based health system, it’s important to invest in quality local care. This technology not only provides advanced imaging, but it also offers a more comfortable experience for an MRI scan by providing the highest level of efficiency as possible with its reduced scan time.”

A physician must order the imaging, and a pre-authorization is required. Independence Health System physicians can schedule the imaging date while the patient is in-office. Patients outside of the health system can call 724-689-0100 to schedule the test. 

This is one of six scanners available throughout the health system. 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.