The brand-new Women’s Imaging Center, located on the first floor of Loma Linda University Health’s Faculty Medical Offices building, may feel like a spa to patients, but it boasts some of the latest technology available in detecting breast cancer and other conditions.
During an open house of the new center Oct. 22, a number of visitors toured the Asian-spa-themed hallways and treatment rooms, where they learned about the Hologic 3-D mammography equipment, which uses tomosynthesis software to create a 3-D view of the breast from top to bottom.
In addition to tomosynthesis, which allows physicians to detect breast cancer significantly earlier and more precisely than 2-D mammography, the center offers a full range of screenings and diagnostic exams, both breast and pelvic ultrasounds, and a wide variety of biopsy options.
The center also offers DEXA scans to measure bone density and has the capability to provide the most accurate type of body-mass imaging for athletes or bariatric patients interested in tracking their progress at reducing body fat.
While the technologies and innovations that allow for improved diagnosis and cancer detection are impressive, Beverly Rigsby, MBA, service line director for women’s services, believes another innovation is equally significant.
“The biggest change,” Rigsby explains, “is the presence of a nurse navigator/manager to help patients as they go through the breast diagnostic process at Loma Linda University Health.”
She adds, “We realized the benefits of having a single point of contact to coordinate all the diagnostic radiology testing needed for an anxious patient waiting for a diagnosis.”
This role has been filled by Linda Koh, MS. “Linda is already beginning to coordinate care for patients and their referring physicians,” Rigsby shares.
The ambiance is another important point about the Women’s Imaging Center.
“When you enter the new Women’s Imaging Center, you might think you made a mistake,” says Rigsby. “Instead of an imaging center, you’ve entered a spa.”
The décor is meant to create an environment of calm for women having to endure a stressful time — whether it’s a standard screening exam or a follow-up test for possible cancer diagnoses.
The Women’s Imaging Center is located in suite 1200 of the Faculty Medical Offices, 11370 Anderson Street, Loma Linda. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 909-558-5533.