UnityPoint Health - Meriter - Monona Clinic

A screening mammogram is a special x-ray of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. It is used for women who have no breast problems or concerns.

Mammography is currently the most effective way to look for breast cancer. It may reveal breast problems before they can be felt by you or your doctor.

We now offer both 2D and 3D mammograms. Our new Genius™ 3D Mammography™ technology works by imaging multiple slices of the breast from several angles. Then, a computer produces 3D images of the breast tissue in one millimeter slices. The radiologist reviews the slices one at a time, much like turning the pages of a book. This enables them to see more clearly into the layers of the breast tissue. With 3D mammograms the radiologist is able to see through the layers of breast tissue which may make the evaluation more accurate.

It is recommend to have a screening mammography as recommended by your provider beginning at age 40 for women without breast problems. If you are considered a high risk patient (such as with a strong family history), you should discuss beginning screening mammography at an earlier age with your health care provider.

• If possible, have a physical exam (including a breast examination) from your health care provider prior to your mammogram.
• Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are the least tender. If you are menstruating, that will be one week after your period.
• Wear a separate top and bottom so that it will be easier and more comfortable to disrobe from your waist up.
• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, ointment or lotion on your breasts or underarm area.
• Be able to share where and when you have had prior mammograms so we can obtain them prior to your appointment.

Your appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. Your technologist will take a brief history from you, and then begin your mammography exam. Although the pressure of the mammogram only lasts a few seconds, some women find it uncomfortable. Please tell your technologist what you are experiencing and how you feel. She will be able to respond to your specific needs and address your concerns to assure you have the best possible mammogram experience.

Please call UnityPoint Health - Meriter Mammography Services at (608) 417-6288 to schedule your screening mammogram appointment.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has awarded accreditation status to several UnityPoint Health – Meriter Radiology department specialties, including Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, Mammography and CT. To obtain ACR accreditation, a facility must meet the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, radiation safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed.

Our Radiology department first reached this status in 2007 and re-accredited in 2010. Computer Tomography (CT) achieved accreditation in 2010. Molecular Medicine & PET/CT were accredited in 2011.

UnityPoint Health – Meriter hospital is the first hospital in Madison to be awarded ACR accreditation.

We are pleased to offer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at UnityPoint Health – Meriter. MRI is a non-invasive, painless exam that helps us in diagnosing disorders of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), joints, abdomen and circulatory system.

MRIs use strong magnets, so please remove any metal jewelry, watches, coins, hairpins or piercings. Talk to your care team about any metallic devices in your body, like pacemakers or cochlear implants. No other advance preparation is typically needed, unless noted by your care team. Our thing is healthcare, but you know you best, so let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Our experienced team will help you through the process.

Please check in for your appointment in the 3 Tower registration area. Volunteers at the welcome desk can help guide you.

RN Care Coordinators (RNCC) contact patients within 2 business days of discharge from the hospital, then follow their care for 45 days. With the goal of preventing hospital readmissions, RNCCs assess patient's health status, provide education to patients and their families, reconcile medications, ensure appropriate follow up with Primary Care Physicians and/or specialists and assist with referrals to specialists. RNCCs also communicate and collaborate with specialty clinics, Primary Care Physicians, clinic RNs, social workers, and UW Health APNPs who oversee the care of patients.

Helping Educate and Link the Homeless (HEALTH) program serves as a bridge for unhoused individuals who are uninsured, unemployed, or disconnected from medical and other community services. HEALTH's focus is to connect patients to care and to overcome the barriers preventing patients from continued health care.

The HEALTH Program offers these services at locations throughout our community, adhering to the street medicine model that has remained the core of the program. HEALTH provides care to patients where they are, including but not limited to shelters, clinics, and in our community.

HEALTH's focus is on medical care and will work with our community's homeless services agencies to ensure patients are getting the full array of services available to them.

• The Community Resource Specialists and Social Work team works closely with the clinic providers, who send referrals based on psychosocial needs of their patients. This team provides resource linkage, complex care coordination, and connection to community supports as needed based on the patient.
• They operate out of the primary care clinics, the therapies departments, NICU-follow-up and work closely with the Behavioral Health Consultant team.
• This team also helps facilitate Advanced Care Planning and helping patients completed Health Care Power of Attorney documentation.