Mammography service at TAMC gets stamp of approval
PRESQUE ISLE — A recent annual inspection has reaffirmed that the mammography services offered at TAMC continue to deliver excellent results for patients. Not only did the unit pass the inspection, but they achieved an impressive result of zero deficiencies.
The thorough review, overseen by the Maine Radiation Control Program under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration, ensures that the mammography unit meets all of the standards outlined in the Mammography Quality Standards Act that Congress enacted into law in 1992. The Act requires all mammography facilities throughout the country to pass an annual inspection. TAMC’s mammography unit has passed all of its inspections since they began in 1995.
“The standards contained in the MQSA are detailed, comprehensive and strictly enforced,” explained TAMC’s Imaging Services Manager Randy Bacon. “Everything from the lumen output of image viewing devices to technologist/physician competencies to patient notification and education standards is reviewed. Our mammography service is a busy operation, but the scope is very focused. Any failure to comply with a single MQSA standard will not escape the daylong, in-depth inspection. Success depends on extreme attention to detail, a thorough understanding of the many standards, and the dedication to maintain those standards day after day.”
Under the direction of Lana McNamee, RT (R)(M), lead mammographer, TAMC’s mammography unit provides a vital service to the Aroostook County region, offering preventive care to approximately 125 patients each week in a caring and professional environment. In addition to McNamee, the unit is staffed by a team of technologists which include Lorri Jackson, RT (R)(M)(CT), Holly Daly, RT (R)(M), Devi Young RT (R)(M), and Brandy Hale.
“We follow all the guidelines set by the FDA and American College of Radiology,” said McNamee. “We care about our patients and strive to provide the best care and service possible. Each patient is important to us.”
The federal inspection occurs annually with the Maine State Inspection. Inspectors look for equipment performance, technologist and physicist quality control and quality assurance outcomes, medical audits and medical records, personnel qualifications and continuing education and policies.
“It is wonderful to have the inspection complete and reaffirm that our staff is providing the best care possible to our mammography patients,” said McNamee.
Bacon said the inspection, and more specifically the zero deficiencies achievement, is a testament to the quality of professionals at TAMC.
“We far too often take for granted the daily excellence on display within the TAMC organization by dedicated professionals like the mammography team,” said Bacon. “Under Lana McNamee’s leadership, our mammography team provides compassionate, thoughtful, experienced and expert care to over 5,000 patients every year. This team excels in an area of health care that is highly visible to both regulators and the public. TAMC is very fortunate to have Lana as the leader of our mammography service, and this has been proven again with the achievement of zero deficiencies on this year’s MQSA inspection.”
Although women often don’t take time for their own health needs, taking the time for a mammogram is an important step toward early detection, according to McNamee.
“Women should begin having mammograms at age 40. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer should speak to their health care provider and begin screening earlier,” she said. “Women are traditionally the care givers of their family and need to take care of their health so they can care for others. No one else can do that for you.”
Mammography is located in TAMC’s Radiology Department at A.R. Gould Memorial.
