3D Mammography Technology Brings Patients to the Hospital Breast Center and to the Hospital as a Whole

The Women’s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital offers comprehensive breast care services to women of all ages, using high technology, a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to care, and community education and screening. The facility has been recognized by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Surgeons. The Women’s Breast Center is one of two locations for the Hospital’s mammography services, the other being the Darien Imaging Center. 

“We consider our investment in technology an investment in the health of the women we serve,” states David Sack, Director of Radiology at Stamford Hospital. “When I saw 3D mammography technology, I knew it made sense for our patients.”

The not-for-profit hospital was the second site in the state of Connecticut to add 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) technology, installing its first system a few months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the system. “Adding 3D mammography was the right thing for our patients,” Sack noted.  “Plus, it fit our business plan and mission of building the best breast center in the region.” 

The Challenge of Bringing on a New Technology

When the first 3D mammography system was installed, the hospital found itself in a unique situation. The technology was only available at one of the hospital’s two imaging locations, but patients wanted access to the technology at both. It quickly became clear women preferred the 3D mammogram; and, more women were coming and asking for it, which created scheduling issues. Sack continued, “All of a sudden there were fewer exams scheduled on the 2D units and we had an overload on the 3D unit. We quickly realized we had to make 3D mammography available at both centers.”  

So, in 2012, Stamford Hospital added two additional Hologic 3D mammography systems, and began offering the new technology to all screening patients. “The systems weren’t budgeted, but it was the right thing to do,” explains Sack. “Our administration was convinced we were on the right path. They’re very supportive of the Women’s Breast Center.”

Overcoming Patient Anxiety

Sack recognizes that women experience a tremendous amount of anxiety while waiting for the results of their mammograms, and this is made worse when they are called back for additional views. 

“Unfortunately with 2D mammography, the breast tissues overlay each other, and it can be hard to determine an exact diagnosis. That means many women are called back for a diagnostic exam,” explains Sack. “3D mammography eliminates the tissue overlap problem and significantly reduces the need for unnecessary callbacks. Instead of using 3D imaging solely for diagnostics, the Women’s Breast Center and Darien Imaging Center use 3D mammography in combination with 2D mammography for 100 percent of their screenings to avoid the need for follow-up exams.” 

Because they feel more confident in their diagnosis with 3D images, radiologists at the Women’s Breast Center decided to provide same-day results for women having a screening mammogram during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.  “Many women are nervous about their mammogram and waiting a few days or a week for results can be stressful,” explains Sack.  “We want to provide women with answers before they walk out the door.”

Reduced Recalls and Increased Patient Volume

Since adding 3D mammography, the hospital has seen a 50 percent reduction in screening recalls and their breast cancer screening volume has increased dramatically. The first year 3D mammography was available, the hospital saw a 10 percent increase in patients — with just one unit. In the first two months of 2013, it has seen an increase of approximately 25 percent.  

“There’s no question our patient volume has increased substantially by adding the 3D system,” says Sack. “Women hear about 3D mammography and they want it, they want to get the right answer and they don’t want to wait. It’s not hard to sell by any means.”

Stamford Hospital doesn’t charge an extra fee for the 3D exam because the hospital considers it to be the basic standard of care. “We don’t want women to have to choose between paying extra or not having the best exam. Our business model offsets any additional costs through an increase in patient volume. Instead of charging more we just get more patients and make up the difference that way,” states Sack. 

Sack notes the increased revenue from 3D imaging impacts more than just the Women’s Breast Center. “The immeasurable impact of more women coming to the Breast Center is the downstream revenue. There are more people in the system. Plus, women make the healthcare decisions in the family. If they’re coming to Stamford Hospital because we have leading-edge technology, they’re probably going to want to bring the rest of their family here for other medical care as well.” 

Concludes Sack, “3D mammography is just the right thing to do. My administration supports this view. If we are committed to being the best breast center then we need the latest and greatest technology.”

Case study supplied by Hologic Inc.

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