Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast and is used as a diagnostic and a screening tool.
You will now have the ability to schedule your own mammogram at Virginia Gay Hospital. Once an order is placed for that service, you will receive a notice on My Chart and it will ask if you would like to schedule this exam. Choose Virginia Gay Hospital and just follow the prompts, quick and easy instructions, and you’ll be on our schedule. Click on link for more information: Mammogram Self Schedule October 2024
During a mammogram, breasts are compressed to reduce the amount of radiation required to penetrate the tissue. The goal is early detection of breast cancer typically found through characteristic masses and/or microcalcifications. A 3D mammogram screening is available at Virginia Gay Hospital. Research has shown that 3D mammograms in conjunction with standard 2D mammograms detect more cases of invasive breast cancer, while reducing the need for additional testing. The improved results from a 3D mammogram don’t result in radiation exposure above FDA limits. 3D mammograms require only a few seconds more than a standard mammogram. The 3D procedure is identical to a 2D exam, except for the slight arc the imaging unit makes to gather the image. The powerful software creates images of the breast tissue in millimeter-thick increments. The ability to view small segments of tissue and to rotate 3D images allow radiologists to take a more accurate look inside the breast. The 3D technology is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue because 2D mammograms of dense breasts are more difficult to interpret. Breast tissue density is determined after examining a mammogram. Approximately 40% of women have dense breast tissue. Two organizations with information about breast tissue density can be found on the web at http://www.densebreast-info.org/ and http://www.iowabreastdensity.com/.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for breast cancer and their recommendations for a mammogram based on your age and health history. Your provider can provide you with an order for the test. Once you have an order, call the imaging department at 319-472-6288 or scheduling at 319-472-6270 for an appointment. Screening mammograms are scheduled Monday’s from 8:30am-3pm and Tuesday through Friday 8am-3pm. Walk-ins are welcome every day! If you need any financial assistance, the Gifts of Hope fund was established to provide free mammograms and diagnostic services for those in need. Assistance is available to pay for clinic visits, testing, co-pays and diagnostic analysis to determine the next steps, as well as pap tests and/or pelvic exams. Funds are meant for people who have no insurance, have a health insurance policy that does not pay for these services and those who cannot pay for the deductible or co-insurance. Talk to your VGH provider if you want to use the Gifts of Hope fund and arrangements will be made. No application is needed. For more information, visit www.myvghfoundation.org/gifts-of-hope. To learn more about mammogram appointments near me reach out to your healthcare provider or visit one of our four convenient clinics or our hospital.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In October we frequently offer after-hour walk- in mammograms to help patients in our community get the care they need. Our goal is to ease access to mammograms and breast care by offering October Breast Cancer awareness screenings. Take control of your health with Virginia Gay Hospital.”
Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about radiation safety?
Before your imaging procedure be sure to ask your physician the following questions:
- Why is the test needed?
- How will having the test improve my care?
- Are there alternatives that do not use radiation and deliver similar results?
- Is the facility accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR)?
- Are pediatric, and adult tests delivered using the appropriate radiation doses?
Why should I have my imaging exam done at an accredited facility?
When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. Look for the ACR Gold Seals of Accreditation.
To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, our facility’s personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance, and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications. It’s important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists, and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.
What does ACR accreditation mean?
- Our facility has voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
- Our personnel is well qualified, through education and certification, to perform medical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
- Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
What does the gold seal mean?
When you see the ACR gold seal, you can rest assured that your prescribed imaging test will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety. The facility and its personnel have gone through a comprehensive review to earn accreditation status by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest and oldest imaging accrediting body in the U.S. and a professional organization of 34,000 physicians.
Providing high-quality services to commemorate your pregnancy.