New Koger Center headquarters set to open October 25 will include double the capacity for screening mammograms.
On October 25, Virginia Physicians for Women will move into its brand-new, stand-alone, 2-story headquarters building on Koger Center Blvd that will have double the capacity for mammography.
Just 10 years ago, in October of 2011, the practice introduced its first mammogram machine at its Midlothian Turnpike office and began building its presence as a provider of screening mammography services that are part of its comprehensive women’s health care offering. When the newest mammography unit is installed at the new Koger Center headquarters in early November, VPFW will have six total mammogram machines spanning four of its six offices throughout the greater Richmond area.
A Commitment to Improving Breast Health
“Over the last decade, VPFW has made it a mission to help women in the region make their breast health just as much a priority as other areas of women’s health,” says Dr. Mark Hyde, president of VPFW. “We’ve made a large capital investment in developing on-site screening mammography services through our partnership with Radiology Associates of Richmond, providing patients with more access to quality screening mammograms.” During that time, it has become easier and easier for patients to schedule their annual screening mammograms, often in tandem with their visits for annual exams or other services at VPFW.
“The end result has been better than we could have hoped for,” says Dr. Hyde. “The convenience and quality screenings we offer have helped to improve the health of our patients, preventing and detecting breast disease, thus impacting their quality of life.”
VPFW’s mammography expansion ramped up over the last year when it opened a mammography suite in its St. Francis office in Midlothian and installed a second mammogram machine at its Prince George office, doubling the capacity for mammography available to its Prince George patients since 2013. VPFW has offered mammograms in the West End since 2012, with the services moving to its West Creek office which opened in Short Pump in 2015.
Practice Reaches 100,000 Mammography Scans
It’s not bad timing that the practice recently reached the milestone of conducting its 100,000th scan as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary of mammography services.
“Performing 100,000 mammography scans in 10 years is a huge testament to the commitment our staff has made to the breast health of our patients,” says Dr. Hyde. Along with its physical expansion, the practice has grown from 2 mammography technologists on staff in 2011 to 10 techs in 2021. “As we move into our new space during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, it’s fitting to be proud and grateful for what our mammography team has accomplished.”
Making Patients Feel Comfortable
One of those patients, Mackenzie Sparks, just had her first mammogram this week and noted that her mammography tech was warm, engaging, and knowledgeable throughout the experience. “Felicia explained everything beautifully and continued to make sure I understood and was comfortable throughout the entire exam.”
Patient Tonya Blanton and nine of her coworkers make the trek from Farmville each year to have a mammogram party at VPFW. “VPFW has done something that most would consider to be impossible…they made us actually LOOK FORWARD to getting a mammogram!” Tonya and her “Squeez Pleez Crew” appreciate that the mammography staff stays after normal business hours each year to accommodate them and ensure that everyone is examined and fully entertained. “Their professionalism, friendliness, and fabulous spirit will NEVER be forgotten.”
3D Mammography Offers Better Detection
Each of the practice’s four mammography sites offers 3D mammography in addition to 2D scans. 3D mammography is an FDA-approved technology that takes multiple photos of the breast to produce a clearer image. Radiologists recommend 3D scans because they help them detect more cancers and detect cancer earlier, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
“Fortunately, the vast majority of insurance plans now cover 3D mammograms,” says VPFW’s mammography manager, Bridget Ames. “But patients should contact their insurance provider to make sure before scheduling their mammogram.”
Those who are uninsured still have an opportunity to receive a mammogram at VPFW. Part of the practice’s commitment to improving breast health in the community includes offering a limited number of free mammograms to uninsured patients during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. Radiology Associates of Richmond reads the scans free of charge as part of a partnership with VPFW. Uninsured patients can call 897-2100 to check availability for a free scan in October.
New VPFW Koger Center Headquarters Facility
In addition to mammography expansion, a new administrative headquarters, and a new clinic for its obstetrics and gynecology services, the new VPFW Koger Center headquarters will also include new facilities for its Surgery Center and Urogynecology Center. The state-of-the-art Surgery Center facility, used by all 30+ physicians in the practice, will have double the capacity of its former space.
To schedule a mammogram or an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.