Oct12

Recommendations for getting your first screening mammogram

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

HAYS, KS – Mammograms help save lives by detecting breast cancer early. They can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%.

HaysMed, along with the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend women get an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40 or earlier if you are having symptoms or have a family history.

Your first mammogram is your baseline mammogram. It establishes what is normal for your breasts and then future mammograms can be compared to your baseline to look for changes.

Even though most patients are aware of the benefits of a mammogram, they may still be nervous about getting one. Breast Care Navigator Sarah Fischer says most patients are “pleasantly surprised” after getting their first mammogram. “They find it wasn’t near as uncomfortable as they had worried it might be,” she added.

Preparing for a mammogram

Before a mammogram, patients should avoid deodorant or powder. If you have any breast tenderness, you may want to consider scheduling your appointment during a time of the month when they are less tender.

What should patients expect during the mammogram?

The receptionist greets the patient before the patient goes to a changing area. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a special gown that opens in the front. You will then step into the exam room. You and the female mammography technologist will be the only ones in the room.

The technologist will then place your breast on a platform and apply compression before taking at least two images of each breast.

“We always go slow and check to make sure they are doing OK,” said mammography supervisor Leah Rhoades “Compression is essential in order to obtain the high-quality images that detect early cancers. The mammogram should feel “tight but tolerable.”

HaysMed uses 3D imaging of the breast which can detect finer details of the breast itself. While your breast is compressed the x-ray arm makes a quick arc over the breast taking a series of images at several angles. It takes approximately 10-15 seconds to acquire each image.

The entire process from the time you arrive to when you leave is between 10 and 20 minutes.

After the mammogram

You will be taken back to your dressing room where you can change your clothes, and then you are free to leave.

A radiologist will review your mammogram and issue a report to your provider.

Results will be available in your Meditech MHealth Patient Portal and mailed to you within 24-48 hours. At the end of each report, there is an assessment and recommendation.

We have several ways you can schedule a mammogram.

You can call 785-623-6565
If you have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can log in and schedule an appointment. https://rb.gy/cfjfhj
If you don’t have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can create one and then schedule your mammogram.
https://rb.gy/cfjfhj

If you have questions about mammograms, please call the Breast Care Center at 623-5114, talk with your healthcare provider or go to haysmed.com/breastcarecenter.

Jan19

00

HaysMed Completes MRI Accreditation Survey

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News,Imaging,OB-GYN

Hays, KS– HaysMed MRI received another 3-year accreditation in MRI Breast Imaging by the American College of Radiology. The ACR uses a standardized scoring procedure in reviewing of all the submitted images for evaluation.

HaysMed met all the testing criteria established by the ACR committee on Breast MRI Accreditation.

The clinical cases must be passed by 2 radiologists reviewers to receive accreditation. Image quality is scored in the categories of pulse sequences, image contrast, positioning and anatomic coverage, artifact, spatial and temporal resolution, and exam identification.

ACR Accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging. ACR Accreditation helps assure patients that your facility provides the highest level of image quality and safety by documenting that your facility meets requirements for equipment, medical personnel, and quality assurance.

Members of the MRI team include Riana Bates, Meghan Brown, Tania Deets, Amy Feldt, Christy Gillogly and Chad Heslet.

For more information on breast care services at HaysMed go to https://www.haysmed.com/breast-care-center/

Aug24

00

HaysMed Successfully Completes KDHE Mammography Survey

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently successfully completed the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) mammography survey.

The MQSA requires all U.S. mammography facilities to be accredited. This survey covers staff qualifications, equipment, quality control, quality assurance, image quality and radiation dose. Our Mammography team received exceptional feedback from the surveyors in all areas.

Nov22

00

HaysMed Breast Care Center Nurse Presents at National Conference

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – Katelyn M. Mosshart, RN, BSN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator at the Breast Care Center at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently attended the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) 10^th annual conference.

AONN+ is the largest national specialty organization dedicated to improving patient care and quality of life by defining, enhancing, and promoting the role of oncology nurse and patient navigators. The network provides professionals information to better manage the complexities of the cancer care treatment continuum for their patients.

Mosshart co-presented a presentation on the topic of Rural Navigation at one of the breakout sessions.

She, along with other Masonic Cancer Alliance members were also recognized with the Organizational recognition Award that acknowledges employers who embrace the critical role of oncology navigators and foster their growth.

Sep25

00

HaysMed Breast Care Center Celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Activities

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas — HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is highlighting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with a variety of events.

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help detect breast cancer early allowing for earlier treatment for a longer survival rate.

On September 21, the BCC participated in the Hays Public Library Health Fair from 10 am – 12 noon. They had representatives to talk to and cards for people to fill out to be contacted to set up a mammogram.

On September 26 the Breast Care Center (BCC) will hold “Smash Bash” for associates. The day is devoted to encouraging Associates of HaysMed to get their mammograms. The center will offer extended hours, special treats and activities.

The BCC will be participating in the Wichita Komen Race on September 28 with an informational booth.

On September 29 information on breast cancer awareness and the early detection program will be given out at the HaysMed annual Drive Thru Flu. The early detection program is an initiative that provides mammograms and pap smears to women who do not have insurance.

On October 12 the BCC will participate in the Fort Hays State University homecoming parade distributing cups to spread awareness of breast cancer awareness month.

For the entire month of October the BCC is partnering with Breathe Coffee House and Mokas utilizing specially designed coffee sleeves for customers to urge scheduling a mammogram.

The BCC at HaysMed is a comprehensive breast center that offers a variety of services including 3D digital mammography that can detect breast abnormalities earlier than standard mammograms, high risk breast cancer prevention consultations, treatment of noncancerous breast conditions, survivorship programs for long term monitoring of breast cancer survivors, and access to research trials.

The center also has a dedicated breast nurse navigator that works through the diagnostic workup and treatment phase of breast cancer to provide seamless services.

To request an appointment call 785-623-5114 or go online at https://haysmed.com/breast-care-center/

Oct1

00

HaysMed Breast Care Center Sponsors Positively Pink

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS (Oct 1, 2018) – The Breast Care Center at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will hold a Positively Pink event on October 20 from 6 pm – 8 pm. This program is for breast cancer survivors and their family and friends. The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement, 2500 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

A variety of events and activities will be offered. Dr. William Smith, Breast Radiologist and Denise DeBoer, APRN will kick things off with opening remarks at 6:00 pm. The public is encouraged to bring their sneakers to participate in activities such as; stretch and balance, Zumba, Yoga and meditation. During the event, participants will have an opportunity to schedule a mammogram with the Breast Care Center. The Center for Health Improvement massage therapists will provide complimentary chair massages.

There is no fee for the event and participants do not have to register. Healthy snacks and educational material (nutrition, lymphedema, sleep, health coaching, etc.) will be provided along with door prizes and drawings. Call 785-623-5114 for further information.

Oct23

00

HaysMed’s Low Infection Rates Recognized With National Certification

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,DeBakey Heart Institute News,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Nursing News,OB-GYN,Orthopedic Institute News,Pediatrics,Urology,Women-Infant Services,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas (Oct 23, 2017) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is the only hospital in Kansas that has earned a prestigious certification because of its low infection risk. And it is one of only four hospitals in the United States to receive the Management of Infection Risk (MIR) certificate.

“HaysMed goes above and beyond current standards to prevent patients from acquiring an infection while they are in the hospital,” said Kim Koerner, BSN, RN, infection prevention officer/associate health nurse. “As a result, we are at or below national hospital-acquired infection rates.

“Every department here works to decrease infection risk by reviewing processes and practices,” Koerner continued. “High-risk areas became focal points for each department, which has resulted in decreased infection risk and increased patient safety at HaysMed.”

Koerner cited just a few examples of areas in which safety has been enhanced.

They include: decreased hip/knee surgical site infection risk; decreased surgical site infection risk in colon procedures and hysterectomies; decreased device-related infections with urinary catheters and central lines; and decreased infections related to the environment.

“This certification validates the importance of decreasing infection risk and increasing patient safety to every single person at HaysMed,” Koerner commented. “Eighteen primary factors that cover the entire facility are considered in certification.

“And it’s not only doctors and nurses that are involved,” she added. “Processes in maintenance, dietary and environmental science also are reviewed.”

Melanie Urban, BSN, RN, HACP, patient quality services director, said Koerner has empowered all HaysMed employees to enhance safety. “It takes the motivation of everyone here to identify vulnerabilities, re-design systems and efficiently manage resources,” Urban said. “The Management of Infection Risk Committee has been diligent in getting everyone engaged.”

The committee includes clinical and non-clinical associates, as well as Dr. Kayla Gray, Hospitalist. “Attainment of this distinguished award demonstrates Hays Medical Center’s continued commitment to excellence in both patient and community healthcare. “ Gray stated.

HaysMed is accredited by DNV Healthcare, which is the entity that awarded the MIR certification. “This is a world-leading certification entity,” Urban said. “It helps us achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety.”

MIR certification builds on three important pillars, Urban noted. These are: being proactive instead of reactive; developing a safety culture that is transparent and accountable; and engaging all staff in a systems-driven approach to safety.

“Therefore, our certification lets our community and region we serve know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible care while managing infection risk,” Urban said.

DNV GL – Healthcare, which operates in more than 100 countries, surveys HaysMed annually. Patrick Horine, chief executive officer of DNV GL – Healthcare, said “achieving certification shows commitment to excellence. And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Jul17

00

Hays Medical Center Receives Grant to Support Baby-Friendly Designation

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News,OB-GYN,Pediatrics

Hays, Kansas (July 14)— Hays Medical Center is among six Kansas sites receiving grants to facilitate attainment of Baby-Friendly designation, the gold standard of breastfeeding support for hospitals. The project is funded by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Family Health, with support from the Title V Maternal & Child Health Block Grant¹. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers offering an optimal level of care for infant feeding and bonding between mother and baby. For mothers, delivery at a Baby-Friendly hospital means they will have the information, confidence, and skills to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.

The grant will support Hays Medical Center in implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a collection of evidence-based practices shown to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates and a requirement for attaining Baby-Friendly designation. An abundance of scientific evidence has demonstrated lower risks for certain diseases and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies who breastfeed.

The ten steps include having a written breastfeeding policy, training staff in skills to implement the policy, informing pregnant women about benefits and management of breastfeeding, helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, showing mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation even if separated from their infants, giving infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically needed, allowing mothers and infants to room together 24 hours a day, encouraging breastfeeding on demand, giving no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants, and fostering availability of breastfeeding support groups and resources for mothers after their hospital stay. More information on Baby-Friendly may be found at babyfriendlyusa.org.

Becoming a Baby-Friendly facility is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey toward excellence in maternity care. The process to achieve designation compels facilities to examine, challenge and modify long-standing policies and procedures. It requires training and skill building among all levels of staff, and entails implementation of audit processes to assure quality in all aspects of maternity care operations. For hospitals, the journey is challenging but creates opportunities to develop high-performance work teams, build staff leadership skills, promote employee pride, enhance patient satisfaction, and improve health outcomes.

Other Kansas hospitals receiving the grants of $25,000 each are Lawrence Memorial Hospital; Pratt Regional Medical Center; Ransom Memorial Hospital, Ottawa; Saint Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park; and Salina Regional Health Center.

United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is a Hutchinson-based health philanthropy serving Kansas. Since its founding in 1986, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund has invested more than $65 million toward improve health, healing, and wholeness in Kansas. Additional information about its grant initiatives may be found at www.healthfund.org

The KDHE Bureau of Family Health is responsible for administering the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant for the State of Kansas. The Title V MCH program plays a key role in the provision of services in Kansas and targets activities to improve the health of all women, infants, and their families. Find more information at www.kansasmch.org or www.kdheks.gov/bfh. You can also find us on Facebook (Kansas Maternal & Child Health).

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Footnote 1: Grant #B04MC29344 supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jul8

00

HaysMed Earns Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Accreditation

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

MRI Cropped

Members of the team are: Christy Gillogly, Riana Bates,
Amy Feldt, Tania Deets and Chad Heslet

ACR MRI Breast Accreditation seal 2016.jpg-2

HAYS, Kan. (July 8, 2016) – HaysMed has earned a three-year term of accreditation in Breast MRI as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Breast MRI offers valuable information about many conditions and compliments other imaging methods such as mammography or ultrasound.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of patient safety and imaging quality. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards, following a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The Breast Care Center at HaysMed is also a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

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May17

00

HaysMed Nurse Practitioner Earns Clinical Breast Examination Certification

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

Garrison 2015 reduced
Denise Garrison, APRN, CBEC recently earned Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) Certification from the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). This certifications show patients that a professionals skills have been validated through advanced education and testing.

Level III CBE Certification (CBEC) is attained by a licensed medical professional who received a score of 85% or better on the Core knowledge, Performance and Tactile Tests. The certification assures the public that their healthcare provider has completed the NCBC clinical breast exam program and has met minimum knowledge and performance standards.

Garrison works in the Breast Care Center at HaysMed and has been an Associate since 2005.