Riverside Healthcare Now Offers 3D Mammography Exams

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to offer the latest advancement in breast cancer screening with 3D Mammography exams. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology developed by Hologic, Inc., a leader in women’s health, Riverside’s latest technology is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of small tumors sooner than conventional mammography while simultaneously decreasing the need for follow-up mammograms and additional diagnostic testing. Riverside is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and now proudly offers 3D mammograms at the Kankakee, Bourbonnais and Coal City campuses.

Clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the positive benefits of a 3D Mammogram to include:
A 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging after a screening mammogram.

A 3D Mammography exam includes both 2D and 3D images. During the 3D portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then reconstructs the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time, providing more detail than a traditional 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram is indicated for women of screening age and all breast densities, requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D mammogram.

“This technology provides greater detail to detect small cancers especially in women with dense breast tissue,” said Dr. Ravi Ramakrishna, CIRA breast imaging radiologist certified in 3D mammography. “By incorporating 3D mammography into breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging, Riverside patients now have access to the latest technology leading to better outcomes overall.”

While 3D mammography is FDA approved, some insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for this exam. Therefore, Riverside is currently providing the 3D advanced technology and expertise at no additional charge as part of an annual mammogram screening for patients who wish to take advantage of this service. In the future, patients having health insurance that does not cover this technology but who still choose to have the additional 3D mammography performed may be asked to pay an additional fee at check-in. This fee may be an eligible flexible spending account (FSA) expense.

To schedule your 3D mammogram at one of our three Riverside Healthcare breast health locations, please call Outpatient Scheduling at 815.935.7531.

Visit RiversideHealthcare.org for more details about Riverside’s award-winning Women’s Health Services and nationally recognized healthcare.