Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano’s New Women’s Imaging Center

Women everywhere share a unique health care-related bond. They understand the pains of childbirth and the symptoms of menopause, and they joke about their common mammogram experiences. But mammograms are no laughing matter, which is why Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano sought to make this experience a more comfortable one when it redesigned and relocated the new Women’s Imaging Center.

“Women don’t know what to expect. They’re nervous and anxious,” says Emily Gentry, R.N., women’s services coordinator for the center. “So, we wanted to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.” To that effect, the center has separate waiting rooms for routine and diagnostic mammograms since women undergoing those screenings have different concerns and anxiety levels.

The center’s manager, Gayle Poudevigne, RTRM, adds, “It’s more of a spa-like setting.” Warm sage green and light yellow walls, colorful floral arrangements, classical background music and soft lighting offer welcoming touches. A coffee and tea bar, couches and overstuffed chairs create a soothing environment in the waiting room, while personal lockers and private bathrooms and changing rooms provide women with a more comfortable experience. Here are six features you should know about the new center.

1. Services and technology. The center’s advanced capabilities include:

• Digital screening and diagnostic mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Ultrasound (pelvic, abdominal, thyroid)
• Stereotactic and ultrasound biopsy
• Cyst aspiration
• Ductography/galactography, a mammographic technique using a contrast dye to help evaluate the milk ducts in women who have abnormal nipple discharge

2. Easy access. It is located on the first floor, and an expanded free parking garage and valet service provide additional convenience.

3. Certified nurse navigator. This professional helps guide women through the process of having a biopsy or dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. “She provides emotional support and talks with the patients so they know what to expect,” Gentry explains. She also helps connect patients to services, doctors and support groups.

4. Dedicated radiologist. The center has a dedicated breast radiologist, who has been fellowship-trained and specializes in breast imaging.

5. Breast cancer risk assessment. Based on a woman’s family medical history and her own personal risk factors, this assessment helps a woman understand her personal risk and screening guidelines, which may vary from the standard recommendations.

6. Scheduling. You can schedule your own screening mammogram without a physician’s order, but you will need to provide your primary care physician’s name and contact information so your results can be sent there, Poudevigne says. However, if you have a problem and are seeking a diagnosis, you must first consult with your physician, who may refer you to the center. All other screenings require a physician’s order. You also need to follow up with your insurance company and make sure you understand your coverage.

Women age 35 or more are encouraged to schedule an annual mammogram by calling 469.814.4400.

Come Join Us!

Enjoy interactive activities - including an ask-the-physician booth, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and a complimentary gift (while supplies last) while you tour the newly relocated Women’s Imaging Center in suite 100 of Pavilion II on the campus of Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano.

The following activities will be offered: 

• Ask the Doctor Booth - Christopher Menendez, M.D., breast surgeon, will answer your breast cancer questions
• Blood Pressure Screening – Free blood pressure screenings provided by THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano
• Heart Health – Heart health education provided by THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano
• Nutrition – Nutrition education and healthy cooking recipes
• Women's Services at Baylor Plano – Free breast cancer risk assessments, breast self exam education and demonstration, registered nurses will be available to answer women’s health questions
• On-Site Mammogram Scheduling - Have you had your mammogram? Convenient on-site mammogram scheduling available.
• Baylor Plano Weight Loss Center – Learn about seminars and support groups provided by the Baylor Plano Weight Loss Surgery Center
• Bone Health – Play the Bone Building Food Game and win prizes
• Cancer Education – Participate in the Cancer Fighting Food Game and win prizes!
• Lipstick Bar – Get luscious lips with our lipstick bar provided by Saks at the Shops at Willowbend in Plano
• Hand Massages - Pamper your hands to the fullest compliments of Mapleshade Day Spa
• Prizes - Enter to win a gift certificate to MARKET STREET
• Survivor Gals – Free bra fittings and hair consultations

What: Community open house

Date: Aug. 14

Time: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.)

RSVP by clicking here or calling 1.800.4BAYLOR.