State-of-the-Art Mammography Suite at PHC 

In mid-December 2006, Peninsula Hospital Center, unveiled its new state-of-the-art mammography suite. The mammography system at the Hospital Center has been operational since 1988.

  The Hospital Center recently put into place its second mammography unit which will minimize wait time for appointments and potentially allow for additional hours of operation in the newly decorated, female-focused suite which now consists of two new individual units. Thanks to the efforts a core group of benefactors who have taken the Mammography Suite on as their personal project, in addition to the new state-of-the-art technology, the Mammography Suite now features soothing pastel colors, fresh flowers and beautiful artwork designed to appeal to feminine sensibilities. The actual mammography suites are designed in the fashion of a living room environment. This relaxes the patients awaiting their mammographies and lends to a far less stressful screening procedure.

  These state-of-the-art units were chosen by PHC because they deliver the best image and quality while ensuring the greatest patient comfort. They are capable of visualizing even pinpoint abnormalities. The mammography system is also capable of performing stereotactic needle biopsy without the need for an open surgical procedure. According to Dr. Richard Steinberg, co-director of the Hospital Center’s Mammography Unit, the professionals who staff the suite are “well-trained and experienced and bring a high level of technical expertise to the unit, and, as importantly, bring a singular level of caring and compassion for our patients”.

  More than 200 mammographies are performed each month at the Hospital Center. However, the wait time for a mammography appointment has been drastically reduced since the installation of the second machine. However, any patient who is referred by their physician because of questionable symptoms will receive an immediate appointment.  Additionally, after having an annual mammography, women are always encouraged to make and calendar their next annual appointment.

  Jim Martinez, Administrative Director of Imaging Services at PHC is quick to point out, “Early detection is crucial when it comes to the diagnosis of breast cancer.  And, there is no longer an excuse for putting off that appointment because state-of-the-art technology is accessible right here in the Rockaway community, in a beautiful new Mammography Suite.”

  All positive screening results are reported to the patient’s physician immediately, while those patients receiving negative reports, as well as their physicians, will receive their report with 30 days.  To make that potentially life-saving appointment for your next mammography at Peninsula Hospital Center, contact Maureen at 718-734-2610.