By Cheryl L. Jewkes
Lead Mammography Technologist
Radiology Department
Cheryl L. Jewkes, RT(R)(M)(CT)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ensuring women have access to high-quality mammography services at Gifford is a priority for our team this month and every month. Here, I’ll share how our services are maintained according to federal standards.
The United States Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) in 1992, establishing national standards for accreditation, certification, and inspection of mammography facilities in the U.S. The intent of this legislation was to establish minimum standards that would ensure all women have access to quality mammography services. These standards also have helped optimize radiation doses, and ultimately contribute to improved detection, earlier treatment, and better outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Last month, Gifford had our annual MQSA inspection by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The inspection included an on-site equipment evaluation and records review. I’m happy to report that we passed with no adverse observations.
As part of the inspection, a representative from the Vermont Department of Health covered the following areas:
- Equipment performance (including image quality)
- Technologist and physicist quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) tests and tasks
- Medical audit and outcome analysis records
- Medical records (mammography reports and films)
- Radiologist, physicist and technologist qualification records
- Documents regarding Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP)
A special thank you to our fantastic mammography techs and radiologists for their dedication to our patients. I think they all strive to do nothing but the best for our patients and it shows. I really appreciate the attention to detail for the many tasks that need to happen to ensure compliance and that no patient slips through the cracks.
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Are you a woman over 40? If you or someone you love has been putting off an annual mammogram, the time is now to make an appointment. Early detection is critical: While breast cancer can’t be prevented, “early detection provides the greatest possibility of successful treatment,” according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Call your doctor today!
Vermont’s “Ladies First” program covers the cost of a mammogram for women age 21 or older who meet income guidelines. Call 800-508-2222 to see if you’re eligible.
Have questions about your upcoming mammogram? Call Gifford Patient Care Navigator Jennifer Hubert at 802-728-2231. She is happy to help guide you through the process.
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