Saint Anthony’s Expands Women’s Imaging Center
(February 3, 2012) – Balancing high technology and compassion, the newly remodeled Saint Anthony’s Women’s Imaging Center offers women a beautiful, homelike setting for their mammogram and bone density tests.
Opened in last May on the campus of Saint Anthony’s Health Center, the Women’s Imaging Center has the area’s latest digital mammography and bone density screening technology. “We are committed to providing advanced clinical and imaging services to meet the unique needs of women,” says Chris Nicholson, Director of Imaging Services for Saint Anthony’s.
“Our interdisciplinary breast team of surgeons, radiologists, oncology staff, breast navigator and mammography techs work closely to ensure the best course of treatment for 
women needing follow-up diagnostic studies or when breast cancer is diagnosed.”
For ease of access, hours of the Women’s Imaging Center were recently expanded: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to Noon. “We welcome walk-in’s for women who haven’t had a chance to schedule their appointments,” Nicholson notes.
The new digital mammography system offers many conveniences – from very soft and slow application of breast compression for smooth positioning and increased patient tolerance, to having the digital images immediately available, says Larry Reed, M.D., Chief of Radiology for Saint Anthony’s.
Because digital mammography is faster, the time patients spend in an uncomfortable position is greatly reduced.
“Women are able to self-refer for their screening mammograms as well – meaning a physician referral is not required,” adds Dr. Reed.
State-of-the-art technology for detecting osteoporosis and bone disease is also available in the Women’s Imaging Center. The new GE densitometry equipment features low dose radiation testing for bone density and body composition in one examination.
“Bone densitometry is a safe x-ray that measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone mass,” Dr. Reed says. Loss of bone density leads directly to osteoporosis, a debilitating disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break.
In partnership with the Madison County Health Department, information about free mammograms for uninsured women between the ages of 40-64 is also available in the Women’s Imaging Center. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screenings using mammography and clinical breast exams for all women, beginning at age 40.
For information about scheduling a mammogram or bone density test in the Women’s Imaging Center, please call 618-474-6152.