As we celebrate breast cancer awareness month, many women are reminded of the importance of getting their mammograms. Women who turn to LewisGale Hospital Alleghany for this important screening can trust they will receive care that meets or exceeds national standards for quality and patient safety. The hospital’s Breast Imaging Center recently received a perfect score during its annual facility inspection under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and awarded re-accreditation.
“Our mammography technologists are to be commended for their dedication, effort, and attention placed into developing and maintaining an exceptional Breast Imaging Center for our patients,” said Lori Barbour, administrative director. “Patients who visit our center are assured that both the staff and equipment have passed a rigorous evaluation.”
The intensive inspection compares specific items in six major areas to include equipment performance, quality control, medical physicist surveys, personnel qualifications, medical reports and outcome audits. The philosophy of the MQSA, through standards and inspections, is to support continuous improvement in breast imaging services.
“Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care to patients in their own community,” said Charlotte Tyson, CEO, LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. “Ensuring that our mammography services meet the highest quality standards is one more way we demonstrate that commitment.”
The Breast Imaging Center is located on the third floor of the hospital in the Women’s Center. The Breast Imaging Center offers digital mammography, the most advanced technology for the early detection of breast cancer.
Mammography technologists include Kathy Elmore, Cindy Keen, Kathy Lee and Dianne Loving. Charles Long, M.D., is the supervising radiologist of the center and Abram Patterson, M.D. and Ronald Broadwell, M.D. are interpreting physicians. To schedule a mammogram, call 540-862-6879.