Methodist Breast Imaging Center photos © Aker/Zvonkovic
Patient Focused Care CLOSE TO HOME By Hattie J. Horn
W
alls slathered in understated tones of desert sand and bamboo. Low, soothing music floats through the air. And frosted, blue windows encase the space, creating a comforting cocoon. Nestled amid the bustling Upper Kirby District, this tranquil oasis isn’t the hottest new spa to hit Houston, it’s the Methodist Breast Imaging Center. A concept meant to engender patient relaxation and a calming atmosphere. The 8,000-square-foot space was especially designed to accommodate the needs of the female patient. Dr. Luz A. Venta, a radiologist and the
center’s medical director, says it’s common for women dealing with breast issues to experience feelings of stress and anxiousness. “We want patients to see the center as a safe harbor where they feel comfortable opening up about their breast issues,” she said. The center, which opened in February, replicates the benefits of the Methodist Breast Center at an easily accessible location. “We’re seeing more patients who don’t want to travel to the medical center. … who want a second, expert opinion and access to our technology,” she said. The center is the only facility dedicated solely to the detection of breast cancer in the Houston area.
Located at Highway 59 and Kirby, the facility is staffed by a team of board certified radiologists and is
“We want patients to see the center as a safe harbor where they feel comfortable opening up about their breast issues.” accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided breast biopsy. Methodist was the first hospital in the country to use all digital mammography, meaning it captures an X-ray with a computer rather than conventional film mammography, a better
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