Joplin, Mo.-based Freeman Health System has paused mammography services at its Women’s Pavilion for the second time in a year, CBS affiliate KOAM reported Oct. 1.
The American College of Radiology initially suspended mammography services at the system’s Women’s Pavilion, also in Joplin, in November 2024 over concerns related to the quality of clinical images. At the time, the system said it was working to revitalize protocols, enhance staff training and work with mammography unit manufacturers “to calibrate our equipment.”
The latest suspension came after the ACR completed a review following up on corrective actions from last year, Freeman Health System said in a statement to the news outlet.
“We continue to work with the ACR to gain clarification, address the findings and become fully reinstated,” the health system said. “Although this outcome is extremely disappointing, we are working with the ACR to address their noted concerns. No patient impact has been identified that would require repeat imaging at this time. Our commitment to patient safety and quality care remains our focus. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our services meet the highest standards.”
The health system is redirecting patients with scheduled mammograms at the Women’s Center to Freeman Neosho (Mo.) Hospital, which remains MQSA certified and accredited by the ACR.
Becker’s has reached out to Freeman Health System and will update the report as more information becomes available.
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