Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is proud to announce that it is now offering state-of-the-art 3D mammography services at its Plymouth and Mishawaka locations.
The new 3D mammography screening, also called tomosynthesis, adds an additional view to the traditional 2D mammogram procedure. During the brief 3D portion of the exam, multiple low-dose images of the breast are taken at different angles. These images are used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed by the radiologist in 3D similar to a CT scan.
“This new technology is a great benefit to the women of this community,” said Dr. Linda Tuthill, X-Ray Consultants (XRC) radiologist at SJRMC. “With the additional 3D images, radiologists may be able to detect more cancers sooner and significantly decrease the need for recall exams for additional views.”
Because it is a new technology, most insurance companies will not cover the additional cost of the 3D portion of the mammogram. SJRMC and XRC radiologists have committed to providing women with the 3D portion of the procedure at no additional cost for the remainder of the year. Patients with dense breast tissue, first-time mammograms, or those who routinely require diagnostic mammograms will be automatically scheduled for the additional 3D procedure.
“We know 3D mammography will lead to better outcomes for many women,” said David Hofstra, administrative director of Imaging. “Our work at SJRMC is a ministry and we want to stay true to our commitment to provide leading healthcare and peace of mind for our patients. Women will benefit from the higher cancer detection rate of 3D mammography without having to worry about out-of-pocket costs.”
For women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Tuthill said mammograms are typically recommended yearly for women more than 40 years old.
For more information about 3D mammograms or to schedule your mammogram, call 574-335-4500.
About Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is a not-for-profit, multi-hospital healthcare system located in North Central Indiana, offering a full range of services. SJRMC includes: a 254-bed acute care hospital at our Mishawaka Campus; a 58-bed acute care hospital at our Plymouth Campus; a 40-bed Rehabilitation Institute; Outpatient services of the Elm Road Medical Campus; and the Saint Joseph Physician Network that includes 26 practices with more than 75 providers. All inpatient rooms at all SJRMC facilities are private.
A Catholic Ministry Organization of Trinity Health, SJRMC offers personalized, faith-based care paired with the latest in advanced medical technology and procedures. In 2012 and 2014 SJRMC was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems and awarded Top 5 for Small Health Systems. In July 2012, for the second year running, SJRMC was named one of the “Most Wired” hospitals. For more information, please visit www.sjmed.com.
