He described his vision of what he would like to see happen with small facilities. Small facilities like mine should set up a pool of practitioners for double reading and frequent referral for consultation. The absence of another radiologist for a quick 'curb stone' consultation is one of the major drawbacks in my solo practice. Sachs' response addressed the challenges many facilities still face. Many women still do not undergo screening mammography and more effort is required to educate patients.
Additional problems exist, for all facilities, in obtaining prior mammograms for comparison.
Patients switch health insurance plans frequently and often do not remember where previous studies were performed. Being active in seeking information is important, he continued, because patients rarely know if they are receiving medical care of good or poor quality. Both interpreting physicians also commented on the unique qualities they bring to women undergoing mammography. Tschersich cited the enjoyment he derives from working in a small facility where he can establish easy contact with patients and the community. On a personal note, both interpreting physicians had no hesitation in explaining why they choose to work where they do.