5 minute read
CLOSE TO HOME
Methodist Breast Imaging Center photos © Aker/Zvonkovic Patient Focused Care CLOSE TO HOME
By Hattie J. Horn
Walls slathered in understated tones of desert sand and bamboo. Low, soothing music fl oats 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 benefi ts 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 certifi ed radiologists and is
accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided breast biopsy.
Methodist was the fi rst hospital in the country to use all digital mammography, meaning it captures an X-ray with a computer rather than conventional fi lm mammography, a better
method, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. That same technology is available at the new center.
It is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology Commission on Quality and Safety, and the Commission on Breast Imaging.
Venta believes providing a convenient and comforting environment reduces barriers for patients seeking breast care. “Early detection is the most effective way to diagnose cancer, and having a mammogram is the fi rst step in fi ghting breast cancer and reducing mortality.
“We ease a lot of anxiety for patients coming in for a mammogram, ultrasound or a biopsy. They can have the procedure, talk to their physician, ask questions and get their results all during the same visit,” she said.
Physicians at the center also facilitate referrals, if needed.
“This setting and personal, one-onone care between physician and patient really sets us apart from other facilities that don’t provide this type of access,” she said. !
Go West
The new Methodist Imaging Center — West Houston sits along the I-10 corridor just outside the 610 Loop near Voss. When patients enter the 10,000-square-foot stand-alone facility, they are greeted by golden-oak walls and deep sofas that suggest an inviting family room.
Dr. David Light, the center’s medical director, along with his team of subspecialized radiologists, has welcomed a steady stream of patients for a variety of general imaging procedures since it opened in February.
Methodist is continually enhancing and improving its technology, methods and options in patient care. The imaging center offers two types of MRI — traditional and a new highfi eld open MRI — that use a magnet, radio frequencies and a computer to
Methodist Breast Imaging Center
2615 Southwest Freeway, Suite 110 Houston, TX 77098 713-441-PINK (7465)
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Services include: Mammogram — The most commonly used tool for breast cancer detection and screening, mammograms involve taking X-rays of each breast. Breast MRI — Breast MRI is used in addition to mammograms for women at high risk for breast cancer. MRI Biopsy — When a suspicious mass is found with breast MRI that cannot be seen in mammograms or ultrasounds, biopsies must be taken through a needle guided by MRI. Breast Ultrasound — A breast ultrasound helps the radiologist determine if a lump or mass is fi lled with fl uid or is solid tissue. Ultrasound Biopsy — If a lump is identifi ed as suspicious, physicians may use ultrasound biopsy to remove pieces of tissue with a needle through a small cut in the skin. Stereotactic Biopsy — A stereotactic biopsy is similar to an ultrasound biopsy and is guided by mammography.
produce detailed images of organs and structure within the body.
An open MRI procedure is more comfortable for the patient and provides the same high-quality images effective in detecting a host of disorders.
Other general radiology services offered include CT and PET imaging, bone density testing, diagnostic X-rays and ultrasounds. Center
radiologists access and interpret images through Methodist’s picture archiving and communications system or PACS. The fully digital PACS allows images to be transmitted to all Methodist hospitals within a matter of seconds.
As the new kid on the block, Light says the team is taking great measures to strengthen the center’s relationships with the community and stand out among their counterparts. They serve as consultants to referring physicians, troubleshoot problems involving procedures and recommend effective approaches in ongoing patient care.
He and the staff continue to review and evaluate services to ensure the center is effectively serving the needs of the area.
“We want to make sure each patient who comes through our doors receives the best we have to offer,” Light said. “We have top radiologists and innovative technology available, which enable us to give the most accurate interpretation of their imaging exams with 24 hours. We have been well received by patients and clinicians, alike, who appreciate our effort to bring the same renowned care The Methodist Hospital is known for, into this community.“
Light adds that the center’s introduction to west Houston aligns with Methodist’s expansion plans to open a 200-bed hospital at I-10 and Barker Cypress in 2010. !
Methodist Imaging Center — West Houston
8333 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024 713-797-XRAY (9729)
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Services include:
