COLUMBUS, Miss., May 19, 2009 – Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle has been certified as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in Mammography by the American College of Radiology.

“This designation, administered by the ACR’s Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Imaging, recognizes our dedication to improving women’s health by participating in rigorous quality assurance programs,” said Kevin Aultman, director of imaging services at Baptist Golden Triangle.

To earn accreditation, facilities must complete onsite testing and send the tests to the ACR Board-certified physicians and medical physicists, who are experts in the field of mammography, evaluate the submitted information and award accreditation to the facilities they believe achieve high practice standards.

Baptist Golden Triangle’s new digital mammography system was evaluated in such areas as image quality, radiation dosage, image resolution, printer quality and qualification of personnel, said Aultman.

The $315,000 digital mammography unit was added to the hospital’s imaging department in January 2009, expanding the hospital’s women’s health and wellness services. Baptist Golden Triangle is the only facility in Columbus that offers full digital mammography and the only facility in the area using the MammoPad technology – a foam cushion that adheres to the compression plates of the mammography unit. These FDA approved pads greatly reduce the discomfort associated with mammography exams, according to Aultman.

With 328 beds, Baptist Golden Triangle is the largest regional hospital affiliated with the Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care system. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, who represent almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital, which offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages.

The hospital offers a variety of services to the community, including the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care, hospice for the terminally ill, Baptist Behavioral Health Care–Willowbrook for those with behavioral and mental health problems, an emergency room with 24-hour ambulance service, an extensive rehabilitation department, and educational programs. Baptist Golden Triangle employs more than 1,000 health care professionals.

For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit goldentriangle.baptistonline.org.

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