Local News

THREE RIVERS ADDING 3D IMAGING TO MAMMOGRAPHY PROGRAM

News Release

Oct 08, 2020

Three Rivers Hospital will add 3D mammograms to its list of comprehensive women’s health services next month.

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of new 3D mammography equipment during its regular meeting on Sept. 30.

“The 3D technology offers a gentler mammogram with much greater depth of detail than digital 2D imaging,” said Nancy DeFord, Three Rivers Hospital’s mammography coordinator. DeFord is a technologist with over 20 years of experience.

The equipment will be partially funded by a $50,000 grant the hospital received in July from Philanthropy in Action, along with a $13,750 credit from Siemens to purchase the hospital’s current mammogram equipment. The rest of the balance, about $206,000, will be paid over a 60-month lease with GE.

In addition to better imaging, the hospital is working with Virtual Radiologic Corp. to offer diagnostics and same-day results delivered to patients.

“We’re excited to be able to provide these services to our patients, so they can get a diagnosis faster and get life-saving treatment even sooner,” DeFord said.

The American College of Radiology recommends an annual screening for those age 40 and older who are at average risk of developing breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women. Most major insurances cover annual mammograms as preventive care.

In addition to mammograms, the hospital’s clinic, Three Rivers Family Medicine, has two physicians who provide women’s health care. Ty Witt, M.D., has practiced gynecology for more than 30 years, including treatment for bone health, hormones, infertility, and other conditions. Dr. Witt is also a surgeon and performs procedures such as hysterectomies, biopsies, and hysteroscopic ablations. He prefers using minimally invasive techniques when possible, to give patients an easier and faster recovery.

Amy Ellingson, M.D., provides annual well-woman exams as part of her primary care practice. She is also certified to treat qualifying patients with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Patients interested in scheduling a mammogram can call he hospital at (509) 689-2517 ext. 3107. More information about other women’s health services is available online at www.brewsterclinic.org, or by calling Three Rivers Family Medicine at (509) 689-3749.