St. Joseph's/Candler's Mobile Mammography Unit is on the road five days a week. Today the wheels are parked outside The Georgia Ports Authority. Early detection is why the women's health unit travels to local industry and rural communities. Technologist Kimberly Jones-Dowdell performed 13 mammograms before noon. The latest technology upgrade digital equipment. "We don't have films. Now we have images that are sent over via network," says Kimberly.
This is the only Digital Mobile Unit in the region. The difference- you see the image right away. "The image is now instead of me having to process the films with chemicals they come up on a screen as soon as i take your mammogram," says Kimberly. Digital Mammography is the most advanced screening tool for early detection of breast cancer in most communities. "We can get more patients in now because the process is faster. You know within 20 minutes I may be able to see 3 patients versus 2 you know and still give the same quality of care," says Kimberly. There's also an advantage for the Radiologist once the mammogram is done. "He has tools on his monitor that he can use to manipulate the image the image to look at it further if he needs to without having to call the patient back," says Kimberly. $250,000 paid for this unit. Then there's other costs like maintenance and warranties. The this provides a clearer image for early detection to save lives. Most insurance companies will pay for a yearly mammogram for women starting at age 40. If you don't have insurance and need assistance, help is available. To schedule a mammogram with Saint Joseph's/Candler (912) 819-6800.
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