SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – “Perfect!” That’s how radiologist Stephen Johnson, MD, PhD, described the Breast Health Center’s 10-year track record for quality standards.

With the receipt of its latest MQSA report, Regional West’s Breast Health Center officially has a decade of perfect federal quality inspections that ensure the safety and reliability of its mammography services.

“It’s a great feeling. Every year MQSA comes and we get a great inspection,” said Lanna Zulkoski, BS, RT, (R)(M)(BS), Breast Health Center supervisor. “We take great pride in providing top quality breast imaging services that meet or exceed expectations.”

MQSA is the Mammography Quality Standards Act, which requires annual inspections of mammography centers. A federal inspector visits the Breast Health Center once a year to verify that its services and equipment meet federal guidelines.

Since 2003, the Breast Health Center has undergone nine perfect inspections. The 2010 inspection showed one discrepancy, which was rescinded upon reevaluation.

Dr. Johnson credits Zulkoski’s meticulous supervision and record keeping and the skill of the five-member staff of radiologic technologists for the center’s excellent record of quality and safety.

The staff includes radiologic technologists Zulkoski; Sherri Eubanks, RT, (R)(M); Heather Propp, BS, RT, (R)(M)(BS); Kim Reitz, RT, (R)(M); and Barb Schmer, RT, (R)(M).

Quality breast cancer screening involves the concentrated effort of the technologists; radiologists Stephen Johnson, MD, PhD, and Gitesh Chheda, MD; and support staff.

“Mammography is highly regulated,” said Johnson. “The daily record-keeping is unbelievable, but it’s our people that make the difference. A perfect record doesn’t happen at many other mammography centers. We expect nothing less and we’re proud of it!”

The Breast Health Center at Regional West is accredited by the American College of Radiology. It offers mammograms, ultrasound, breast biopsies and more. To schedule a screening mammogram, call 308-630-2700 and press option "1."
Medicare as well as most insurance policies cover regular mammograms. For those in need of financial assistance, the “Every Woman Matters” program may provide low-cost or no-cost mammograms. For more information, call “Every Woman Matters” toll free at 800-532-2227. The Breast Health Center will never turn away a mammogram patient who cannot pay.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.