Did you know? The WCH Breast Center is the only center in Arizona, and one of 58 centers nationally, to be recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™ by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program™ (NQMBC®). The centers chosen for this designation have met the highest quality standards in breast cancer care.
The National Consortium of Breast Centers uses more than 30 National Quality Indicators to evaluate breast programs in the areas of imaging, surgery, cancer registry, pathology, treatment and patient satisfaction. In order to achieve this certification, WCH had to provide evidence that our patients were provided with:
- The opportunity to report on their satisfaction regarding the care they received
- Follow-up and care in a timely manner
- Care that is individualized to their unique situation
- Accurate care and diagnosis
- Comprehensive treatment options
Breast Health Patient Navigation
Navigating the breast patient health care continuum is a complex and highly individualized process. At WCH, our focus is on improving early detection and survival rates in our communities through improved outreach, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The patient navigation program at WCH is led by Rena Koeneke, RT(R), CN-BI. Rena is a registered radiologic technologist, by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with additional certification in the areas of Computed Tomography, Mammography, Ultrasound, Bone Density, as well as, Breast Patient Navigation.
Breast Health Services:
- Diagnostics:
- Physical Exam– careful manual examination of the breasts. This exam can help find lumps that women may miss with their own self-exams.
- Mammograms– an X-ray image of your breasts used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths.
- 3D Mammography– Experience improved comfort and technology in the detection of breast cancer with Fuji Aspire Cristalle. The exclusive Comfort Paddle moves four ways and flexes to the contour of the breast for a noticeably more comfortable exam, while 3D technology delivers better detail with a gentle radiation dose.
- Ultrasound– ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening test for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests.
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy-a procedure that uses mammography to precisely identify and biopsy an abnormality within the breast. It’s normally done when the radiologist sees a suspicious abnormality on your mammogram that can’t be felt in a physical exam.
- Treatment Options Performed at Wickenburg Community Hospital by Dr. Robert Ripley
- Breast-conserving surgery– also called a lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy or segmental mastectomy.
- Mastectomy– A surgery in which the entire breast is removed, including all of the breast tissue and sometimes other nearby tissues.
- Uninsured or Underinsured? We are proud to offer free mammograms and diagnostic testing for women in our community between the ages of 35 and 64 who are uninsured or under-insured due to financial hardship. To learn more about this opportunity, call 928-684-5421.
- Pink Ribbon angels is made possible by the WCH Foundation through generous donations, grants, and proceeds from the Wickenburg Walks to Boot Breast Cancer annual event.
If you have questions or are feeling overwhelmed- we are here to help.
Call to schedule an appointment: 928-668-1803