April 15, 2004
Brenda Walker, YKHC Radiographer/ Mammographer.
YKHC has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in Mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
The ACR awards accreditation of facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted by Board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the mammography field. they assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their finding to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.
"This is our second re-accredidation," said Louise Reed, Diagnostic Imaging Director for YKHC. "It's great to have our staff recognized for their outstanding work." Reed said the great benefits of having a top-notch mammography facility in Bethel is that it is for people of the YK Delta to get mammograms regularly--invaluable for early detection of breast cancer.
The American College of Radiology Consultants suggests a yearly screening for women age 50 and older. For women aged 40 to 49 with asymmetric breasts, they suggest screening every one to two years. Anyone with breast pain, lumps, discharge or other concerns should see their medical provider as soon as possible.