HVRA Helps Patients Obtain Timely Breast Ultrasound Screenings

March 29, 2010

As of October 1, 2009, the state of Connecticut enacted a new law requiring that all mammography reports to patients and their referring physicians contain information about breast density, which may result in the need for a follow-up breast ultrasound screening. In response, Housatonic Valley Radiological Associates (HVRA) is making it easier for doctors to ensure their patients quickly obtain the breast cancer screenings they require.

Mammograms that demonstrate dense breast tissue can potentially hide small abnormalities. In these cases, supplementary breast ultrasound screening tests may be required to improve detection of early breast cancer. Breast ultrasound does not replace mammography; mammograms continue to be the only imaging modality that has proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR).

HVRA has established a simple process to give referring doctors the assurance that their patients will receive supplementary screenings at HVRA in a timely manner, when required. The process allows HVRA to quickly and efficiently schedule breast ultrasound screenings for doctors’ patients with dense breast tissue, as determined by the preceding mammogram.

To ensure their patients receive the fastest service possible, referring doctors may simply complete and fax the Screening Breast Ultrasound and Practice Survey or call the applicable HVRA office:

HVRA Danbury
Tel: 203-797-1770
Fax: 203-797-2071

HVRA Southbury Imaging
Tel: 203-262-6797
Fax: 203-262-6006

Physicians: View the Screening Breast Ultrasound and Practice Survey and ACR Statement.

View more information on HVRA’s Ultrasound services.