Breast Health
Scheduling: 660-200-2370
Breast health is an ongoing concern at Bates County Memorial Hospital. The hospital has been a leader in the advancement of mammographic technique with the purchase of the Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D Mammography unit. We also utilize Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), a computer generated program that provides a second look after the radiologist performs an initial assessment. The use of these technologies enables us to diagnose very small cancers at the earliest stages.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Being a woman is the number one risk factor for breast cancer, and that risk increases with age. Although breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 40, younger women – and men – can also develop breast cancer.
Call 660-200-2370 to schedule.
Learn more about screening mammography opportunities for uninsured and underinsured women through BCMH Cares.
3-D Mammography
A 3-D screening mammogram is performed in conjunction with the traditional 2-D digital mammogram. During the 3-D part of the examination, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images to produce a 3-D image of the breast tissue. This provides greater detail for the radiologist to examine.
Learn more about 3-D Mammography
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammography
Screening Mammography
Most major medical health plans cover the entire cost of mammography screening, depending on your age and family history. Talk to your doctor about when to start screening mammograms and how often to get them.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for women at average risk.
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get screening mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly screening mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer (for instance, because of family history or a gene mutation) should consult their doctor about when to start screening for breast cancer, and how often to receive a screening mammogram.
Bates County Memorial Hospital does not require an order from a health care provider to schedule a screening mammogram, however, you will be asked to provide your physician’s name when you schedule your mammogram. If you are uninsured or have not established care with a primary care doctor, talk to a BCMH patient benefits advisor (PBA) by calling 660-200-2370. Our PBAs will also help you schedule your appointment.
Screening mammography is scheduled Monday – Friday, 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. If you need a later appointment for your mammography needs, please ask at the time of scheduling. Every attempt will be made to accommodate special requests.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is ordered when you or your provider notices an abnormality in your normal breast tissue. Abnormalities may include:
- A lump or an area that feels very firm in the breast or armpit
- Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast
- Discharge from the nipple
- Itchy, red, flaky, or dimpled skin on the breast
Diagnostic mammography requires an order from your provider and must be scheduled when a radiologist is on site, as diagnostic mammography may require additional views suggested by the radiologist. Ultrasound of the breast may also be ordered at this time, which can be performed in BCMH Imaging Services by registered ultrasound technologists.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical biopsy to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast that are visible on ultrasound.
Accredited Mammography Services
Mammography services are accredited by the American College of Radiology. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.
To schedule an appointment for these services, call 660-200-2370