CARIBOU, Maine – The Women’s Imaging Center at Cary Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology. This accreditation demonstrates Cary’s commitment to providing the safest and best quality care possible.
The accreditation process involves a self-assessment and peer review process focused on diagnostic image quality, staff qualifications, policies, protocols, equipment, and therapeutic treatment. It allows facilities to set and surpass industry-accepted quality standards for patient care. The accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.
The accreditation applies to both 2D and 3D mammography using the MAMMOMAT Revelation from Siemens Healthineers, an innovative mammography system that was installed at Cary in September. This system adjusts compression levels to reduce discomfort and pain while still delivering accurate images. The imaging technology and automated breast density measurements taken at the time of examination enables immediate and personalized risk assessment which allows Cary Medical Center to provide supplemental imaging while the patient is in her exam.
“Many women are intimidated by the mammogram process,” said Leslie Anderson, PT, MSB, Cary chief operating officer. “We have invested in technology that makes the process more comfortable while delivering high quality imaging. Our specialty trained mammography team helps women navigate the screening and diagnostic process in an environment that promotes a relaxing and peaceful experience. The gold seal of accreditation shows our patients that they have chosen a facility that meets the highest standard of quality and care.”
A mammogram helps detect breast cancer early, it can find lumps that are too small to be felt during a clinical breast exam. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Starting at age 45 women should get mammograms every year, with the option to switch to mammograms every two years at age 55. They should talk with their healthcare provider about their risk for breast cancer and determine the best screening plan.
