Radiology nurses at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health - Crawfordsville (from left) Karen Brosman, Rachelle Williamson and Brooke Brownfield explain the new 3D mammogram technology that will be available to the public on Monday.
Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health – Crawfordsville will soon offer a new technology to its female patients, and it’s the first of its kind in the area.
On Tuesday, the hospital unveiled new 3D mammography software, which is not yet available in either Lafayette or Lebanon.
“Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health – Crawfordsville is excited to be one of the first hospitals in our system to receive this new technology,” said Nancy Sayler, director of radiology. “With this technology, we can continue to improve the health of the women of our community.”
Radiology staff will be going through training on Hologic’s Genius 3D mammography exam this week and will work with patients already scheduled and provide complimentary 3D screenings that week.
3D mammography uses low dose X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. A 3D mammogram is similar to having a conventional mammogram, but it is proven to be more accurate. As with a conventional mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast and the scanner rotates partially around the breast and takes images at different angles.
“The woman will notice virtually nothing different,” said Dr. James Pearce, who specializes in diagnostic radiology. “The value added comes after the study is completed, not while she’s having this done.”
The 3D mammogram captures multiple images or slices from several angles, creating a multi-layered breast image. The radiologist is then able to review the breast one thin layer at a time, which helps them make a more accurate diagnosis.
“It’s definitely the way mammograms should be done--straight and simple,” Pearce said. “It’s better in two ways. Number one, it finds more cancer. And number two, it has less false positives. So you end up bringing less people back for additional views and additional studies. So at the end of the day, it’s a win-win, which we don’t often get.”
Sayler said this new 3D software should provide a more accurate mammogram that detects 41 percent more invasive cancers and reduce callbacks by 40 percent. The technology that allows for 3D mammography has been available for approximately five years, but Pearce said not many hospitals offered the service because no one could afford it.
“Patients couldn’t afford it,” he said. “And you can’t afford to buy the equipment if you can’t get reimbursed to do it. Medicare led the way on this, and the private insurers...are coming in quickly. So we are fortunate to get it early in the game.”
While normal digital mammograms are covered by insurance, in some instances 3D mammograms may not covered by insurance. Women should check with their insurance provider. The additional out-of-pocket cost for a 3D screening mammogram is $59 and a diagnostic exam is $74.
Mammograms can be done yearly after the age of 40 with a physician’s order. A medical provider’s orders are needed for mammograms. After the order is received, women can call 1-800-411-5556.
Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health – Crawfordsville’s digital mammography area is located in the Diagnostic and Surgical Center, 1660 Lafayette Road in Crawfordsville,
