CHRISTUS Medical Group Quality Measures
Mammography Counseling
Why is this important?
According to the website breastcancer.org, mammograms are probably the most important tool doctors have to help them diagnose and evaluate women who have had breast cancer. Safe and highly accurate, a mammogram is an X-ray photograph of the breast.
Mammograms don't prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. For example, mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35 percent in women over the age of 50; studies suggest for women between 40 and 50 they may lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 25–35 percent.
Who needs a mammogram? Who does this apply to?
This measure applies to CMG’s Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology providers (physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants). Twice a year, CMG audits patient charts to ensure that female patients over the age of 40 have been counseled regarding the need for an annual mammogram. The current score listed is based on the June 2008 audit.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Mammograms are performed as part of a regular physical exam or to evaluate any unusual changes in the breast.
A mammogram can help your health care provider decide if a lump, growth or change in your breast needs further testing. The mammogram is also used to look for lumps that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.
Mammography is your best defense against breast cancer because it can detect the disease in its early stages, before it can be felt during a breast examination. Research has clearly shown that mammography can increase breast cancer survival.
