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RPMH receives new mammography technology |
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Written by Amanda Moreno
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Saturday, 03 October 2009 |
Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital is getting ready to install state-of-the-art equipment, when it comes to mammograms. They are moving to digital mammography.
"The images and picture quality are so much better. Instead of being on film, the images will pop up on screen, " Lori Brockman, Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital lead mammographer, said.
Digital mammography allows the radiologist to magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values, while reading the images. These features allow the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on the areas of concern.
According to Donna Boatright, hospital administrator, the hospital has been looking into upgrading their equipment for three years.
"Our technology was good, but it's imperative that we have state-of-the-art technology so that we can better serve our patients," Boatright said.
The hospital decided on going with the Selenia digital mammography machine from Hologic. According to Brockman, there are three companies that are accredited by the FDA to sell this equipment.
"We were able to visit all three companies and view the facilities and the machines. We picked Hologic because of the image quality it provides and the ease of the workstation," Brockman said.
Vera West and Abilene Regional Medical Center, both in Abilene, already use this company's equipment and are familiar with it. The radiology associates that will be reading the scans are experienced with this company, and it serves as a bonus that they have the experience with this machinery, according to Brockman.
"This is so much more refined than what we've been able to provide. They are able to receive the same service as larger cities, without leaving Nolan County," Boatright said.
Boatright said that they are striving to have as well-rounded and complete women's health care possible. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the cornerstones to being able to provide that care.
"This new equipment will allow them to detect more because of the clearer images that it puts out," Brockman said. "We have been wanting to go digital for awhile, and we are finally able to."
The old unit will be taken out and the new equipment will be installed Oct. 5. Patients should be able to be seen by Oct. 14.
"This will open up the schedule for mammograms. We used to only be able to schedule appointments in the afternoons, and now we have appointments all day," Brockman said.
Mammograms can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The hospital will also be providing bone density exams.
"The best prevention is routine screening. This goes for breast cancer and osteoporosis," Boatright said.
Rolling Plains does require that you have a primary physician, before you schedule your mammogram. This is just so that if follow up is needed that you have a physician to go to, according to Brockman.
The time it takes for the exam has been shortened and the hospital hopes that this new piece of technology will encourage more women to get their routine exams.
"There is no replacement for convenience, and that's a huge improvement. There's no long distances to travel to get the mammograms done and the comfort level has been improved," Boatright said.
The Selenia helps ease the discomfort with the MammoPad. Brockman said that the compression paddles have been improved as another effort to ease the discomfort.
"The main reason that women don't go and get the exam is because of the discomfort level," Boatright said. "This will help ease that problem."
The MammoPad is invisible to X-rays and doesn't interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.
The same parameters for coverage will be the same, as with regular mammograms. If there are any questions pertaining to coverage or payment, feel free to contact Julie Hall, in the business office at 325-235-1707 extension 248.
If payment is an issue, the Alliance program does offer some assistance, when needed.
"We are hoping to serve surrounding counties, as well as the people of Nolan County," Boatright said.
Your local physician can also schedule your mammogram appointment, through the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.
To schedule your mammogram or bone density exam, contact the radiology department at 325-235-1707 extension 286. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 October 2009 )
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