News & Events

High quality options for patients in need of imaging

Tufts Medical Center and Shields Health Care Group today filed requests with the Health Policy Commission to enter into a joint venture to provide patients with high-quality, fully-integrated imaging at two community locations in Dorchester and Dedham, in addition to the Medical Center’s Boston campus. All three locations would be managed by Shields, making this a first of its kind relationship between Shields, the leading independent provider of MRI services in New England, and a Boston academic medical center.  

“Over the past six years, Shields has done an outstanding job of managing our PET/CT service at the Medical Center, which has received ‘exceptional’ ratings from our patients,” said Terry Hudson-Jinks, MSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services. “This joint venture will allow our patients to choose from three convenient locations to have their MRI. Providing this service in the community also lowers the overall cost of imaging to the health care system.” 

The MRI services at Tufts MC will remain licensed by Tufts Medical Center, while the two community sites at 161 Granite Avenue in Dorchester and 40 Allied Drive in Dedham, will remain licensed by Shields. All three sites will be connected by internet technology systems, which will allow for integration of imaging orders and results into each patient’s electronic medical record.  

“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Tufts Medical Center and are excited about taking this next step,” said Tom Shields, President of Shields Health Care Group. “We are committed to making our services seamless to the patient. Both of our organizations are focused on providing exceptional customer service, excellent imaging quality with leading edge technology. Together we can offer a superior service.” 

If approved, the joint venture would begin in April 2018. 

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About Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Children's Hospital

Tufts Medical Center is an exceptional, not-for-profit, 415 bed academic medical center that is home to both a full service hospital for adults and Tufts Children's Hospital. Conveniently located in downtown Boston, we’re the principle teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine. We offer a level one trauma center with a rooftop helipad, are the largest heart transplant center in New England and our renowned research program ranks among the top 10 percent of independent hospitals to receive federal research funding. Our physician network of 1,800 New England Quality Care Alliance doctors represents our strong commitment to health in the community. Tufts Medical Center is a founding member of Wellforce. More at www.TuftsMedicalCenter.org.

About Shields Health Care Group

A family-owned and -operated business, Shields Health Care Group provides MRI, PET/CT, Radiation Oncology and Ambulatory Surgical Center services at more than 30 locations across New England. Through joint-venture partnerships with as many as 20 top hospitals and healthcare providers, Shields delivers cutting-edge technology, provider expertise and affordability while prioritizing the patient experience above all. Additionally, Shields ProCare offers medical imaging equipment maintenance and service throughout New England. Every Shields center is ACR accredited.