CLARIFICATION: Mammography still offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital; Follow-up mammograms may be referred to facility of choice

(Editor’s Note: A previous article regarding follow-up to a Veterans Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees meeting may have given the wrong the impression that Veterans Memorial Hospital is no longer able to offer mammograms at its facility in Waukon. What was trying to be explained was that follow-up mammograms may need to be referred to another facility due to Gundersen Health Systems currently experiencing a shortage in its radiology personnel. The Standard regrets any confusion caused by any previous articles and welcomes the further explanation below offered by Veterans Memorial Hospital.)

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon continues to offer state-of the art 3D mammography. The advanced breast tomosynthesis technology installed less than two years ago, provides exams that are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

At times, some patients do need to return for a follow-up mammogram in the case something suspicious is found in the original mammogram.  Gundersen radiologists read all of the mammograms and X-rays produced at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  Due to a shortage of radiologists at Gundersen, mammograms that need further follow-up are now being referred onto a facility of the patient’s choice.  Hospital officials are hopeful when more radiologists are recruited to the Gundersen facility that Veterans Memorial Hospital will again be able to provide these follow up images.

In the mean time, Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to offer annual routine mammography with their state-of-the art 3D system.

“Veterans Memorial Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer,”  adds Amanda Leiran, RT, (R)(M)(CT)(BD), Supervisor of the Radiology Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  “In offering the 3D mammography, VMH provides a more accurate tool for breast cancer screening.  We are the first facility to offer 3D mammography in Northeast Iowa and we feel so lucky to have such advanced imaging technology right here at home, in our community.”

To schedule your next MAMMOGRAM, or for any questions, please contact the Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at 563-568-3411.