Get ready for a unique medical experience

 

It’s like nothing Cami Nix has seen in her 15 years in the medical imaging business.  As manager of the new Advocate Imaging Specialists Wilmette Center, she knows her customers will experience something very different.

 

That difference is a careful blend of design, technology and service.  Philips Ambient Experience, along with thoughtful amenities and personal attention, offer customers a less stressful visit.

 

Unexpected customer service

Whether they’re in for an MR exam, CT scan or digital mammogram, every patient is treated like a special guest.

 

Cami describes the unique setting, “Patients come into our center pre-registered, so they just check in with our concierge – kind of like a hotel.  Everything is designed to be like a relaxing visit to a spa.  When patients are escorted to a changing room or ‘transformation’ room as we call it, they find it’s very private – completely set off from the rest of the public.”

 

Hidden from sight

The Wilmette Center has gone to great lengths to make its facility appear as non-clinical as possible.  With the help of Philips Medical and Philips Design, they have created two completely different work spaces – the clean, comfortable “front stage” environment seen by patients, and the operational “back stage” area used by the staff.

 

“At our facility we do everything behind the scenes,” says Cami.  “In a typical X-ray department you have all the supporting equipment like syringes right in the room.  Patients often think ‘Oh my… is that for me?’ and become anxious.  At the Wilmette Center, everything is out of sight until it’s needed.  There is no clutter.”

Nobody’s kept waiting

Careful exam preparation helps control patient flow and reduces wait times.  “When the technologist is ready to perform an exam such as a brain MRI,” notes Cami, “he prepares for that specific procedure at his workstation so that he’s ready before the patient enters the suite.  Then he can turn his full attention to the patient.  There’s no time for anyone to get anxious or nervous.”

 

“They made it a very simple process and that’s key” – Christian Micor "When you go to a hospital you expect to stand in a long line to register. You expect a trying time. This is a complete 180 o turnaround." + Read Chris' story

 

MR with a Philips twist

“I try to put their mind at ease before we even get to the exam itself,” says MR technologist Jerry Ziesemer.  “In the transition room I give them a good idea of what they should expect, whether it’s an orthopedic exam or brain scan.  When they enter the MR suite, most patients are awestruck because it looks likes nothing they’ve ever seen before.”

Advocate Imaging Specialists Wilmette Center uses Philips Ambient Experience technology.  Ambient Experience integrates room design with light, projection, and sound to enhance the patient experience enabling a more soothing, relaxing, and comforting procedure.  The patient may choose a theme which is then projected on the wall and accompanied by appropriate dynamic lighting and audio.  For example, with the tropical beach theme, the patient sees and hears waves rolling up on the shore.

 

Word-of-mouth brings them back
“I’ve had nothing but positive responses from patients I’ve seen,” says Jerry.  “We’ve only been open six months and I’ve already had repeat customers and patients who’ve referred family members.  They all comment on how different this MR experience is compared to a hospital.  They say they’ll come back to Wilmette for any other tests they need to have done.”

 

Cami Nix agrees, “The key is that patients tell us they like the entire experience from the beginning to the end.  That’s exactly what I want to hear.”

 

- September 2007

 

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