Ribbon-Cutting Launches
Digital Mammography in Auburn
By Beverly Miller
Shown here at the Ribbon-Cutting celebration on October 25 are (left to right) Scott A. Berlucchi, AMH President/CEO; Dr. Deborah Geer, Surgeon, the first person scheduled for a mammogram using the new digital mammography unit; Senator Michael Nozzolio; Assemblyman Gary Finch; Robert Bergan, AMH Board Chairman. In the foreground is Michael Heary, Technical Director of Radiology.
Auburn Memorial Hospital has expanded its health and wellness services for women with the addition of a new full-field digital mammography system. On October 25, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assemblyman Gary Finch joined officials and staff from Auburn Memorial Hospital to cut the ribbon officially launching state-of-the-art digital mammography in Auburn. Senator Nozzolio, an ardent supporter and advocate for increasing healthcare services at AMH, secured a $500,000 state grant that was used to purchase the new unit.
The new unit is located at the AMH Essential Diagnostics Center at 615 North Seward Avenue, Auburn, on the lower level of the Women’s Health Specialists building. Appointments may be made by calling 252-3013 and require a physician’s prescription.
Digital mammography provides patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. The procedure feels identical to conventional screening from a patient’s perspective, but women will notice shorter exam times and a reduction in call backs to obtain additional images.
Digital mammography allows the radiologist to view the x-ray image more closely, zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas, enabling them to make immediate decisions about additional images. Digital mammography takes less than half the time of traditional film-based exams and the radiologist may review images while the patient is in the exam room.
Digital mammography differs from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and evaluate microcalcifications.
To supplement this technology, AMH is also offering Computer-Aided Detection (CAD). CAD provides a “second read” of the mammogram by a computer. This assists the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis.
According to Scott A. Berlucchi, AMH President/CEO, each and every patient at the AMH’s Essential Diagnostics Center receives personalized care designed to meet her individual needs. Berlucchi stated, “We are committed to providing exceptional care to the women in our community. With the continued support of Senator Nozzolio and Assemblyman Finch, we will continue to fulfill our mission to provide compassionate, quality care.”
The Essential Diagnostics Center also offers a laboratory blood drawing station (walk-ins welcome); and dexa-scan and ultrasound by appointment.