Hillcrest Health System is leading the way of digital mammography in Central Texas and as of April 2008 is operating only digital equipment.
This technology is an important ally in detecting breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among women other than skin cancer.
Overall, Hillcrest Breast Screening Center patients can expect the following benefits:
• Earlier detection in some cases
• Lower radiation exposure
• Shorter exam times
• Lower false positive rates; fewer unnecessary biopsies
• Access to the most state-of-art mammography technology
"The biggest advantage of digital mammography is that magnified images are available for women with dense breasts, breast implants, women under the age of 50 and women who have never had children," says Michelle Wilson, manager of the Breast Screening Center. "Because images are captured instantly and we no longer have to wait for films to develop, this technology also allows us to spend more time with each patient."
A woman's chance of developing breast cancer increases significantly with age. Health professionals recommend that women have an annual mammogram beginning at the age of 40, sooner if there is a family history of the disease.
"For the physician, the biggest advantage is the ability to manipulate the images. They can zoom in on a particular spot, just like you would with your digital camera, and have a closer look," Wilson says. "This may contribute to fewer callbacks and less need to get better images."
All digital images collected at the Center are electronic and can be shared through the PACS system with a patient's other healthcare providers.
To contact the Breast Screening Center at Hillcrest or for more information, call (254) 202-8988.
Looking beyond the six-story walls of the all-new Hillcrest located at Interstate 35 and Texas Highway 6 and Loop 340, we find there is much more than bricks and mortar, new paint and furniture that bring a healthcare facility to life.
First off the entire Diagnostic Imaging Center, everything from standard X-rays to MRI, will be digital. What this means for patients is:
• Reduced radiation exposure.
• Decreased need for repeat exams.
• Ability to take a closer look.
• Faster turn around for reporting results.
• All images instantly available to a patient's network of healthcare providers.
Besides sharing diagnostic images online, nursing staff will have the use of portable computers that allow them to chart patient records at the bed side. Additionally, plans are in motion to allow for public wireless internet access for patients and their families to help them stay in touch with friends and loved ones during their stay.
Outside of these systems, equipment is also important. In the hospital's nine operating suites a new type of light will be used that better illuminates the surgical site while creating no heat or shadows and adjusts according to the type of tissue being operated on. This allows the surgical team to view the surgical site more accurately. Furthermore, the operating table tops are interchangeable with the stretchers used to transport the patient which decreases the need to lift a patient. This brand new technology reduces the chance of injury to surgical staff and improves patient safety.
In healthcare, and at Hillcrest, new technologies are constantly emerging — injecting advanced efficiencies that will elevate the quality of care available at the Community Hospital and Women's and Children's Center which will open in May 2009. For news on the latest progress at the new campus, visit www.hillcrest.net.
