Mammography services suspended at 2 hospitals following ACR review
Two hospitals in Ohio have suspended mammography services after the American College of Radiology raised concerns about the quality of exams conducted at the facilities.
The closures are at Mercy Health’s Tiffin and Perrysburg hospitals, where the ACR recently conducted reviews on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, resulting in the loss of accreditation for both facilities. A press release from Mercy Health indicates the suspension is due to issues with breast images not meeting the college's clinical quality standards.
ACR routinely reviews facilities to ensure the quality of services offered and compliance with regulatory policies. Part of these reviews involves randomly assessing imaging exams that have been completed during a specified time period. In the case of the hospitals in Tiffin and Perrysburg, the sample yielded subpar results.
The findings have prompted Mercy Health to reach out to all the patients who have undergone a mammogram at the two facilities over the last 26 months.
“If you receive such a letter, this does not necessarily mean that the mammogram results received by you and your provider were wrong,” the notice advises. “The letter explains why you are receiving it, what options are available to you, and who you can contact if you (or your provider) have questions.”
Mercy Health has advised those in need of mammography services to visit one of four other facilities across northwest Ohio. The health system also has established a dedicated phone line (419-455-7040) and email assistive service ([email protected]) that both patients and providers can reach out to directly with questions or concerns.
The organization said it has "already taken many of the steps towards revitalizing and enhancing their services” in an effort to resume breast imaging at the two facilities.
“As we act with purpose and intention to rectify this matter, we are determined to ensure our response reflects our ministry’s mission, vision and values,” the news release says. “Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we commit to supporting you.”
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.