Dr. Vanessa Hardin Branch and Dr. Drake Branch announced Tuesday (Sept. 30) that they will open the state’s first dedicated whole-body MRI center in November in Rogers. The two doctors co-founded Veralux[1], which will be accepting patient sign-ups starting Oct. 1.
The 2,241-square-foot clinic at 2000 S. 42nd St., Suite 120, will begin seeing patients Nov. 17. A grand opening will take place in January.
On Tuesday, the clinic’s MRI machine was delivered and installed. Dr. Vanessa Branch and Dr. Drake Branch declined to disclose the investment cost of opening the clinic.
As an independent clinic, Veralux is the only imaging facility in the state that offers whole-body MRI screenings for preventive care, according to a news release. The artificial intelligence-integrated MRI provides a “radiation-free, non-invasive experience that can detect cancer, aneurysms and many other conditions even before symptoms appear. The goal of Veralux is to allow for better health awareness and outcomes for residents across the region.”
Starting Oct. 1, patients can schedule an exam online without a referral, insurance or membership. Veralux does not accept insurance. Screenings are FSA/HSA eligible, and financing is available. Veralux is open to partnering with health care providers and businesses seeking preventive services for their employees.
“By offering dedicated, advanced whole body MRI technology, concierge-level service and compassionate, patient-centered care, Veralux is creating a new standard for proactive health care in Arkansas,” Dr. Vanessa Branch said. “Our mission is simple: Illuminate your health.”
Screenings range from $999 for a 30-minute torso scan to $2,499 for a whole-body scan that takes about an hour. In-exam entertainment options are available, including online streaming services.
Within a week of the screening, patients receive “a comprehensive, patient-friendly report that includes a risk-stratified summary with detailed findings,” the release shows. “Each report is reviewed in a personal consultation with a board-certified provider, ensuring that results are explained clearly and thoughtfully. Reports and images can be shared directly with clients’ health care providers via an online portal, enabling seamless follow-up care and coordination. Patients also receive individualized recommendations for ongoing health optimization, including annual screening guidance and supportive follow-up when appropriate.”
“Beyond the technology, we’re creating an environment that helps patients feel at ease,” Dr. Drake Branch said. “From a refined, welcoming atmosphere to attentive staff and in-exam entertainment, everything is meant to reduce anxiety and make the process as comfortable as possible. That peace of mind is just as important as the advanced imaging itself, and it sets the stage for the clear, actionable insights each patient receives from our scans.”
Veralux will open with six staff, including two MRI technologists, two patient care coordinators, and Dr. Vanessa Branch and Dr. Drake Branch.