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Why should I have my mammogram at Medical Imaging?
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 Breast Health Diagnosis from Start to Finish:
For over three decades, Medical Imaging has provided the highest quality in imaging care to women in the greater Kansas City area. Our breast health department is second to none. We offer digital mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, mammotome biopsy, and FNA (fine needle aspiration) at our N. Oak and Eastland locations.
Why do we offer such a wide range of services? We want our patients to have continuity of care, from start to finish. It is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of screening mammograms reveal no abnormalities. However, in rare cases, further testing is deemed necessary. Medical Imaging offers patients the opportunity to have further mammography studies, breast ultrasound and breast MRI, all in one convenient location. We even perform state-of-the-art mammotome biopsies, right here in our office. Mammotome is a minimally invasive and highly accurate method for biopsy whereby the patient’s recovery time is greatly reduced.
More about Mammotome >>
Patients who begin by having their digital screening mammogram at Medical Imaging need not worry about transferring films and reports from other facilities. Ever had to cart films around town? Make multiple appointments all over town to get your exams? Once you do, you won’t want to again. We eliminate this problem by providing the patient with a full range of breast health services. You’ll have one place to come to for all your radiology exams!
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Trust in the Quality of Care:
 All Medical Imaging radiologists are Board Certified and experienced. Our radiology technologists are registered. We are certified by the American College of Radiology, and are MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) accredited.
Our equipment is state-of-the-art. Medical Imaging offers only digital mammography. There are many advantages of digital mammography over traditional (analog) mammography. Digital technology allows for fewer repeat-exposures, a faster exam, and the ability for the radiologist to more easily diagnose breast abnormalities in younger patients and patients with dense breast tissue.
Link to the FDA for more information about accreditation and digital mammography >>
Medical Imaging also offers specialized breast MRI exams. MRI tests utilize a very powerful magnet to create images of the body. It is considered the latest advancement in non-invasive testing in the detection of breast cancer.
 Why might your doctor order a breast MRI exam? Breast MRI is often used in preoperative cancer staging, detecting local tumor recurrence, women with breast implants, for women with possible implant ruptures, and hidden or unknown cancers missed by mammography or ultrasound. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at high risk have an MRI along with a mammogram.
See this website for a detailed report >>
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| Breast Coil used in Breast MRI exams |
The important thing for patients to remember about breast MRI is that their physician can help them determine whether or not a breast MRI is necessary, and that it must be performed at a facility that offers a dedicated breast coil. These very precise exams can not be preformed on an open MRI; they must be done on a high field MRI (closed) with a breast coil.
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What do our patients think about us?
We survey our patients and confidentially evaluate the results. This patient feedback is vital to us. We take it seriously, and act on the information provided by our patients.
LOOK AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MEDICAL IMAGING!
"I have never had such prompt and friendly service. The med staff member was happy to answer our questions, and very courteous. Thank you!"
- Shanna Nachtmann Warrensburg MO
"I was nervous when I first entered but the staff and tech soon alleviated my fears and apprehensions. They made my visit very comfortable and answered all of my questions and really put me at ease. It was a very pleasant experience thanks to your wonderful staff. I'd recommend your facility."
- S. Cross, Lawrence, KS
"This was my third mammogram at Medical Imaging and I will continue to go there for all my annual mammograms. The technologists who performed the procedure were wonderful! They help me feel relaxed and comfortable about a not-so-comfortable procedure. They are caring, friendly and patient.
I appreciate that so much! Thank you for the exceptional service you provide."
- Sheryl Robison, KCMO
"Your staff is warm, kind and gentle. I was greeted, registered and taken back to 'Women's Services' in minutes. Everything was done in a friendly and prompt manner. Welcome to the Northland!!!"
- Julie Burke, KCMO
“The addition of Digital mammography with CAD (computer assisted diagnosis) for breast imaging provides me, and all of our radiologists, with an increased level of comfort in reading a patient’s mammogram. While it doesn’t change the way we as radiologists interpret a patient’s mammogram dramatically from what we have always attempted to do – I can say that I would prefer to read only Digital mammograms – and only read those coupled with CAD.”
Lee Steinberg, D.O.
Radiologist, Medical Imaging
“All actions should revolve around the patient. We are all in it for the good of the patient.”
Dr. Robert Ricci,
founder of Medical Imaging.
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Getting Results:
Medical Imaging offers results at the time of the exam to all of our mammography patients who are seen during regular business hours. The radiologist will offer to personally meet with each patient to discuss results. Additionally, each patient will receive a written letter sent to her home address, which details the results. The typical turnaround time for official transcribed mammography results is less than 24 hours. This means that the patient’s referring physician will have the written results in a timely manner.
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Transferring from another Facility: You have a choice!
It is very important for the radiologist to have access to all of a patient’s mammography films so that he or she may evaluate changes in breast tissue over time. For patients who have had mammograms at another facility, but wish to make the switch to Medical Imaging, there are two easy options:
1. Pick up your films (in person) from the previous facility and bring them with you to your appointment at Medical Imaging. Many facilities require 48 hours advanced notice to prepare your films for pick-up, so make sure to call ahead and let them know you will be picking up your films. The radiologist will be able to view all of your films at the time of the mammogram and discuss your results with you.
2. At the time of your Medical Imaging appointment, you may sign an Outside Release of Records form.
This one would be used if you wish to have
another medical facility release your medical records to us. It's very
often used when a patient moves her mammograms from another facility to
ours.
North Oak facility form >>
Eastland Facility >>
This process sometimes takes several days or more because the films are often sent via mail. As soon as Medical Imaging receives your previous films, the radiologist can view them, and send written results to you and your referring doctor. There is no charge to the patient for the film retrieval service.
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This is just a small part of how Medical Imaging operates. We believe patients are to be treated like people, and as medical professionals we must be respectful of patients’ time. Service provided to the patient is very important, particularly when a health matter is involved. Click here to read an article written by our Director of Marketing and Client Services, Peter Barrett, and published in the “As I See It” column of the Kansas City Star.
Read "You Have a Choice" by Peter Barrett >>
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Community Outreach
Medical Imaging supports the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. For more information about this life-changing organization, visit this website >>
Our Board Certified Radiologists are also available for free, breast health education presentations. If you belong to a church group, women’s organization, etc. and are interested in having one of our radiologists discuss breast diagnosis, contact Pete Barrett at pbarrett@medicalimagingkc.com.
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Guidelines for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
- Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
- Clinical breast exams (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
- Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
- Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer ) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.
More cancer detection guidelines are available at the Cancer Society’s website >>
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Helpful Links for Patients
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