Baptist Health Paducah expands breast imaging with the addition of third mammogram machine
PADUCAH, KY (June 24, 2024) - Baptist Health Paducah is pleased to announce improved access to breast cancer care by adding a third mammography machine and additional ultrasound unit to the Baptist Imagining Center, where patients receive all their breast imaging services in one easily accessible location.
The number of screening and diagnostic mammograms and biopsies have increased, and this allows the hospital to boost capacity to meet the growing demand for diagnostic breast services.
“With this exciting addition of a third mammogram unit, we are significantly increasing our capacity to serve our patients,” said Baptist Health Paducah Executive Director of Oncology and Imaging Services, Mike Tutor. “This expansion not only allows us to meet the rising demand for diagnostic breast services, but also improves efficiency, a reduction of wait times and increases the availability of appointments for mammograms and biopsies.”
All three units are in the same location in the Imaging Center, except the third mammogram room offers an additional access point for male patients needing a mammogram.
The third unit will allow radiologists to accommodate the rising number of patients being sent to Baptist by referring providers for additional diagnostic testing. “By adding this additional resource, it allows us to get those patients in more quickly with abnormal findings who need additional testing.”
The addition of the third machine at the Imaging Center is the second phase of development of Baptist Imagine Center’s breast program expansion that provides a one stop shop for all breast services provided by the hospital. The initial phase included the move of the stereotactic and ultrasound guided breast biopsies from the hospital to the imaging center.
Baptist Health Paducah is designated as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center by the American College of Radiology, offering digital screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasound, ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, stereotactic breast biopsy, cyst aspiration, breast MRI, and on-site radiologists.
Baptist Health Paducah is committed to further enhancing its breast imaging services. In partnership with the Baptist Health Paducah Foundation and its generous donors, the Baptist Imaging Center will continue to grow to meet the demands of the community.
“The renovation and consolidation of care to create such a convenient and streamlined care center is a perfect example of the vision of Baptist Health to grow to meet the needs of our community,” said Foundation director Shannon Livingston.
The Baptist Imaging Center is located on the corner of South 28th Street and Kentucky Avenue with convenient parking in the adjacent designated lot. For more information about Baptist Health Paducah's breast imaging services, please visit baptisthealth.com/Paducah or to schedule your mammogram, call 270.575.2662, option 2.