Upgrading Imaging for Women's Health

Kootenai Health is making some big changes to improve women’s health services. Starting in 2025, they’ll be adding a new facility in Coeur d’Alene and upgrading their existing Women’s Imaging Center in Post Falls. This is all happening during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to talk about the new equipment they’re getting. The health organization is investing in some impressive new machines. They’ll add two new mammography scanners with 3D and AI technology. This will make scans faster and less scary for patients. They’re also getting a new Dexa bone density scan machine, an ultrasound machine, and an automated breast ultrasound machine. This last one is really important for women with dense breast tissue because it can provide clearer scans.Radiologist Luke Grauke, who specializes in breast imaging, says these upgrades will really boost their screening capabilities. He explained that most women getting imaging don’t actually have breast cancer. The new technology will speed up the process and make it less intimidating. The new facility will have special areas for routine mammograms. This way, women won’t have to go through the full diagnostic center unless it’s necessary. It’s all about making the experience less stressful. Kootenai Health has been accredited for breast centers since 2017 and they just got re-accredited last year. These new upgrades will also help reduce wait times for patients. Cara Nielsen, who works at Kootenai Health Foundation, is excited about these changes. As a patient herself, she’s had issues with scans in the past. She loves that the new technology will make things easier and less scary for patients like her. “It’s amazing to see how much care and thought is going into making this experience better for us, ” Nielsen said.