It has always been a philosophy at Breastnet to make all of our patients feel "at home" and totally comfortable when they come in for their mammogram. We understand it can be a nerve-racking time, so we do all we can to help make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

Remembering our patients from year to year is one goal that our physicians and staff strive for on a daily basis, but as you can imagine, is quite a feat since we only see our patients once a year. We realize, that if we remember a patient when reviewing her mammogram, it not only helps us remember the prior health history of the patient, but puts a name to a face.

A recent article written in The Wall Street Journal was brought to our attention by one of our patients, Betsy R., which discusses the results of a new study recently completed.

Written by Kevin Helliker, the article stated, "In a recent study, 15 radiologists from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem reviewed computer tomography images along with a photograph of the patient. Months later, they reviewed the same CT san, but without a photo. A control group of radiologists also twice-reviewed CT scans with no photographs at all. About 300 patients participated in the study."

"In the most eye-popping result, the absence of a photograph was associated with an 80% drop in so-called incidental findings, such as when a search for a kidney stone turned up an incidental tumor in another organ. The study suggests that radiologists look more carefully for these incidental findings when a patient photograph is attached." It is about the human element!

I feel that at Breastnet, our staff and physicians already surpass other facilities in our face-time with patients. We never lose site that there is always a person behind the mammogram and feel we do a good job already, knowing who each patient is by name.

In order to enhance our connection to our patients, starting in January, we will begin taking a simple head-shot photo of each patient as they sign in, which will then be attached to their patient file. This way, should we be speaking to a patient over the phone between appointments, we'll know exactly who we are speaking with.

With personal attention and one-on-one patient care lost in this day of technology, the desire of Breastnet is to treat our patients the way we would want to be treated. We feel including your photo is one more step in accomplishing our goal!

I also would like to say thank you once again for listening to my radio show, which is broadcasted every Saturday from noon to 1:00 pm on KPHX 1480 AM. I love all or your questions and feedback, and I look forward to more calls this coming weekend!

Upcoming Show Guests:
December 13th - Dr. Robert Kuske, who will discuss Brachytherapy and how radiation is done in just 5 days
December 20th - Dr. Coral Quiet, will be discussing Genetic Testing and Radiation Treatment

Best regards,

Belinda Barclay-White, MD