OIC Clinic starts offering mammograms

In partnership with Nash UNC Breast Care Center, the OIC is now offering 3D mammography exams at its Specialty Care Center inside the Rocky Mount Event Center.

“Our board and staff team have eagerly awaited the day that our dream for saving lives from breast cancer would become a reality,” OIC Board Chairman Andre Knight said. “We appreciate the dedication and support that Nash UNC Health Care is providing as OIC brings state-of-the-art resources directly into communities that need it the most.”

This new unit performs tomosynthesis screenings, which allow for more efficient and accurate mammograms. The process of getting a mammogram is the same for the patient, but results are more accurate due to the upgraded technology.

As a partner in this effort, Nash UNC Health Care will provide staffing and image-reading support to the OIC Specialty Care Center. In January 2021, the Nash UNC team received reaccreditation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, a designation by the American College of Radiology that highlights the team’s effort to provide safe, high quality mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast MRI services.

The center opened March 1.

“I had a great experience with my technician, Bailey. She was very nice, kept me informed, and made me feel comfortable. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I like to stay up to date on these exams. They can be very costly for me, so I am thankful for this opportunity from OIC to be able to have this procedure at no cost,” Velma L. Cruz said after completing her exam.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation, in partnership with OIC, provides the ability to help patients who are uninsured and low-income to access identified mammography and diagnostic services. Because of this funding, hundreds of patients are provided access to these services who otherwise could not afford it.

Women aged 40 and over or people who have a family history of breast cancer, are encouraged to speak with their primary care physician about risk for breast cancer and the best screening plans.

“I recently was referred to have this procedure by my doctor and have been very nervous. I’m glad that I decided to come. The tech made me comfortable and I had a great experience. I’d tell others who may feel the same that it’s not as bad as you think and rumors you’ve heard concerning mammograms are not always true. It is important for all women to get this done,” says Tomeika Ferrell, who had her first mammography exam.

OIC Medical Director Dr. Tisa Roberts emphasized that, “OIC Specialty Care Center at 260 Albemarle Avenue will be offering exam appointments on Monday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through primary care practice referrals only. Although self-referrals are not available at this time for mammograms at OIC, interested persons who are not OIC-established patients can contact Nash UNC Breast Care Center for screenings. Those who receive a breast cancer diagnosis will be supported by a Nash UNC Health Care breast health navigator who helps coordinate their appointments and helps with understanding their diagnosis and treatment plan.”

For more information on how to set up an appointment, call 252-316-8215.