NBHH mammography receives highest level of accreditation

The North Big Horn Hospital radiology department has been awarded the American College of Radiology’s “gold seal” of accreditation for a term of three years. The accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety awarded following a thorough review of the equipment, procedures and images used in mammogram procedures.

The hospital acquired its state-of-the-art 3D equipment in 2019. The equipment provides earlier breast cancer detection than conventional mammography technology and reduces the need for unnecessary call backs for repeat exams by up to 40 percent.

According to radiology manager Julaine Askvig, the NBHH radiology department performs around 450 mammograms per year. On average, the equipment detects 20-65 percent more invasive cancers than 2D mammography technology.

Mammograms can detect cancer early, allowing for more successful treatment options. According to Askvig, the 3D equipment used at NBHH is very precise, giving an image that shows more information than a 2D machine. The mammograms taken at NBHH are examined by the highly trained experts at the Center for Breast Health at Billings Clinic.

With early detection, the survival rate for patients with breast cancer is much higher than for patients who have late detection. The American Cancer Society recommends women start annual mammograms to their healthcare routine starting at age 40. It recommends annual mammograms continue for women aged 40-54 and mammograms every 1-2 years for women 55 and older. Women with a family history of breast cancer should consult their providers for recommended frequency of mammograms.

As a convenience, NBHH allows women over 40 to schedule mammograms directly as part of their preventive health care regimen. For more information, contact the radiology department at the hospital at 548-5200.

Askvig said most insurance plans cover the exam. For those women without insurance or those who cannot afford the exam, the Wyoming Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening program offers assistance. Contact the program for more information at 1-800-264-1296 or email wdh.cancerservices@wyo.gov.