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Mammograms save lives at Mile Bluff Medical Center One of the most important functions of Mile Bluff Medical Center’s medical imaging department is providing mammography examinations to as many as 2,300 patients every year. Mammography is a type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in women. Kelly Clark, one of eight registered radiographers who have mammography certification, serves as the mammography coordinator. Each radiographer must maintain 15 continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification. This is a requirement of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), which is a federal program established to oversee the quality provided by mammography facilities. Besides Kelly, those certified to conduct mammograms include: Andrea Miller, Laurie Jensen, Jill Hermanson, Melissa Matteson, Chelsea Cook, Melissa Bloedow, and Jenny Grudzinski. In August, the hospital sponsored an in-house in-service by Lucinda Prue, BA, RT(R)(M). She is a mammography technologist with the Barbara Guthrie Medical Services, Inc., in Milwaukee. As an employee of that organization, she provides temporary screening and diagnostic mammography services for hospitals and clinics throughout Wisconsin This provided three continuing education credits for all of the Mile Bluff mammographers. They each received personal training on breast positioning for mammography, as well as film critique to determine the quality of images presented to the radiologist. Lucinda performs and correctly documents all of the tests listed in the American College of Radiology Mammography Quality Control manual, and mentors fellow technologists on technique and positioning tips to obtain maximum tissue visualization. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years and older get an annual mammogram, do a monthly self-examination, and receive an annual physical breast examination from their healthcare provider. For women between the ages of 20 and 39, it is recommended that they have a breast exam by their healthcare provider every three years, and that they examine their breasts monthly. (May 5, 2009) |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
