McLeod Dillon Radiology Department Receives Perfect Score on Mammography Inspection

McLEOD DILLION 9 OCTOBER 2014

McLeod Medical Center Dillon is pleased to announce that its Radiology Department has received a perfect score on its Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspection by DHEC.

”Receiving a score of 100 percent on our recent MQSA inspection is an honor for McLeod Dillon. This perfect score shows that we have an excellent staff that continuously pursues perfection in their provision of patient care and the delivery of the highest mammographic images possible. A major part of the survey is the review of the documentation for our mammography equipment, which is handled by Paula Andrews, RT (R) (M) (CT), one of the Mammography Technologist. Her diligence has resulted in maintaining this information is to be commended."

Mammography Technologists at McLeod Dillon are performed by Paula Andrews, RT (R) (M) (CT), Tammy Kelly, RT (R) (M) (RDMS) and Stacey Lee, RT (R) (CT).

Breast ultrasounds are also performed in the McLeod Dillon Radiology Department by Tammy Kelly, RT (R) (M) (RDMS), Shannon Stutler, RT (R) (CT) (RDMS), Felicia McDaniel, RT (R) (CT) (VT) (RDMS), and Kim Sanderson, RT (R) (RDMS).

"Mammography allows detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and is a highly effective tool in detecting breast cancer long before any physical symptoms develop. Early detection is documented to be critical in reducing mortality rates," said Debbie Locklair, Administrator, McLeod Medical Center Dillon. "I am proud of our Radiology staff demonstrating excellence in the quality of care they provide to our patients."

Mammography is one of the most important techniques that doctors use to detect breast cancer. A large benefit of a mammogram is its ability to detect problem areas even before they can be felt in a breast self-exam. Finding breast cancer earlier means much lower levels of lymph node involvement, and that more women being treated for cancer are eligible for breast conservation.

McLeod Medical Center Dillon has the latest in breast imaging technology with state-of-the-art digital mammography. While standard film mammography creates an image directly on film, digital mammography takes an electronic image and stores it directly in a computer.

Digital mammography holds many benefits. The images captured by a digital system are extremely clear and detailed with improved contrast. While standard film mammography creates an image directly on film, digital mammography takes an electronic image and stores it directly in a computer. Digital imaging also reduces patient waiting time and administers a lower radiation dose. In addition, Radiologists can use computer software to help interpret digital mammograms.

The digital and film images of a mammogram can be compared to those taken with a camera. Like pictures taken with a digital camera, there are many things that can be done to a digital image that can improve the picture. A mammogram is a photograph. Looking at a mammogram in a digital format, there is so much more that can be done to help a physician look at the image.

These benefits give McLeod Dillon a strong advantage in fighting breast cancer; the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in South Carolina.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in South Carolina, regardless of race and age. Dillon ranks among the top counties in the state for the number of deaths from breast cancer.

All women ages 40 and over are encouraged to schedule a digital mammogram annually. Please call McLeod Reservations and Scheduling at (843) 777-2095 to schedule an appointment at McLeod Medical Center Dillon.