The Department of Radiology at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital now offers self-referral mammography to all BACH patients who carry the prime benefit package under TRICARE.
"For many women, the annual pap smear serves as her only contact with a health care provider with a visit that usually includes an assessment of overall health, to include a clinical breast exam and scheduling of the annual mammogram," said Maj. Kathleen Groom, chief of radiology at BACH.
Years of research in the epidemiology and natural history of cervical cancer have led to changing guidelines in pap smear screening.
"Many women are now advised that they may safely undergo pap smear screening every two to three years instead of annually," Groom said.
Although screening recommendations for pap smears have changed, recommendations for breast cancer screening have not. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology both recommend annual mammograms and clinical breast exams for all women beginning at age 40.
To emphasize the importance of annual breast cancer screening, BACH launched the breast health initiative in the fall of 2005. As an extension of that initiative and to further promote and encourage breast health, BACH now offers self-referral mammography.
Self-referral mammography means a patient may schedule her annual mammogram without an order from a referring physician. At BACH, as at many health care facilities, imaging studies may only be performed when requested by a licensed health care provider.
The availability of primary care appointments sometimes lag behind mammography appointment availability, according to Groom. Recognizing that many patients are conscientious stewards of their own health care, offering self-referral mammography facilitates and encourages patient compliance with current breast cancer screening guidelines.
Self-referral mammography, however, should not preclude an annual wellness examination.
"While annual mammograms are the only screening method scientifically shown to reduce mortality from breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that comprehensive breast care include an annual clinical breast exam performed by an experienced health care provider as well as monthly breast self-examination," Groom said.
When women receive an annual wellness examination with their primary care provider, a clinical breast exam will be performed by the provider, and patients will have the opportunity to review their breast self-examination technique.
"A commitment to annual wellness examinations is a commitment to overall health as issues unrelated to breast health will also be addressed," Groom said.
All women age 40 and older who receive the prime benefit package within TRICARE and have a normal self breast exam are eligible to participate in self-referral mammography at BACH.
Patients with breast complaints such as a new lump or a nipple discharge should first make an appointment to see their primary clinic provider. Patients with a family history of pre-menopausal breast cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) are encouraged to begin annual screening mammograms at an age 10 years in advance of that in which their relative was diagnosed. These patients may also self-refer.
Eligible patients can call (270) 956-0033 or go to the mammography section in the Department of Radiology to schedule their mammogram. The result of their examination will be electronically forwarded to their primary care clinics and the patient will also receive a letter in the mail.
PatientInfo
• If you want a self-referred mammogram test, call (270) 956-0033 or go to the Department of Radiology at BACH for more info.
• Examination results will be sent electronically to your primary care clinic and you will receive a letter in the mail.
