Breast Health
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.
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 getting 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 mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.
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, feels there is a breast issue. If you have troubling issues or notice changes in your breasts, talk to your doctor right away.
- 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 services require an order from your provider and must be scheduled when a radiologist is on site (usually on Monday, Wednesday or Friday). 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.
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
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.
To schedule an appointment for these services, call 660-200-2370