"I continue to be impressed by the service and treatment I receive at WRA. The technologists performing my mammograms have always been courteous, friendly and responsive. They guide you through the entire process, provide specific directions and tell you what to expect. They are very reassuring."
- Denise, Bethesda, MD
News and Announcements
Washington Radiology In The News
Washington Radiology Associates Response to USPSTF Screening Mammography Recommendations
November 20, 2009
Survey Shows D.C. Area Women Lack Knowledge of Personal Risk for Breast Cancer
September 21, 2009
Breast and Body Imaging Specialist Joins Regional Diagnostic Imaging Practice
August 22, 2009
Dr. Mark Klein shares his thoughts on Virtual Colonoscopy
April 27, 2009
Osteoporosis Detection Prescribed for Men Too
April 6, 2009
8 Steps for Navigating Your Way to Breast Health
January 6, 2009
WRA Donates Funds to Breast Cancer Care Foundation
November 24, 2008
WRA Donates Diagnostic Services to Needy Patients
November 15, 2008
Radiologist Joins Regional Diagnostic Imaging Practice
September 5, 2008
Centralized Scheduling Hours Extended
August 25, 2008
An Insurance Update on CT, MRI, PET For Cigna Members
November 1, 2008
New York Times Examines Radiologists' Transition To Digital Mammograms
April 10, 2008
ACR Selects Breast Imaging Scientist
June 22, 2007
WRA Offers Digital Mammography Practice-Wide
July 8, 2006
Washington Radiology Associates Response to USPSTF Screening Mammography Recommendations
The recently published USPSTF recommendations have caused confusion and raised questions in the medical community and the public at large. We do not agree with the conclusions reached by the taskforce and will continue to support the currently recommended guidelines established by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging and others. Here is why:
We know mammography saves lives. Decades of research have proven this unequivocally. Quality screening mammography and expert interpretation have been proven to reduce breast cancer mortality. Early detection through screening mammography and the opportunity for early treatment often results in a better outcome and helps preserve the quality of a woman’s life. Suggesting that women should not receive screening mammograms in their forties eliminates the option for early detection. Even the taskforce acknowledges that under their new guidelines breast cancer mortality will increase.
Contrary to the taskforce opinion, we believe that the benefit of lives saved far outweighs the potential discomfort and anxiety that some women experience during annual mammography. It is interesting to note that the tremendous emotional and financial cost of late-stage breast cancer was not even evaluated or acknowledged by the USPSTF. In addition, the USPSTF recommendation to screen only high risk women annually ignores the fact at least 75% of all diagnosed breast cancers occur in women who are not designated as high risk.
WRA continues to recommend screening mammography according to currently established guidelines since it is impossible to precisely predict who will benefit from a screening mammogram. We do know that for each woman whose cancer is found early through routine screening mammography under the current guidelines, the benefit can be profound.
We invite you to read the positions provided by the following organizations:
- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Statement
- American Cancer Society
- American College Of Radiology
- American College Of Radiology & Society Of Breast Imaging Joint Statement
- American Society of Breast Disease
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Susan G. Komen Foundation
Survey Shows D.C. Area Women Lack Knowledge of Personal Risk for Breast Cancer
September 21, 2009 – Fairfax, VA: A recent survey by Washington Radiology Associates, P.C. (WRA) showed that 97% of women do not know their personal risk level for developing breast cancer. Knowledge of personal risk level is critical in assigning women to the appropriate breast cancer screening protocol as indicated by the American Cancer Society. Screening protocols for women of moderate to high risk are different in both substance and timing than women of average risk. The ACS suggests high risk women should receive an annual breast MRI scan in addition to routine annual mammography. They also may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
WRA recently conducted a written survey of adult female patients to understand how and where their risk of breast cancer was being assessed. More than 1500 female patients in the District of Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Sterling and Fairfax responded to the confidential survey.
Respondents were asked about their personal and family history of breast cancer and about known risk factors for breast cancer, including genetic links, radiation treatment, breast biopsies showing precancerous conditions and related cancers. In addition, women were asked if they or their doctors had calculated their lifetime risk for breast cancer, a figure used to assess risk level.
The survey showed that 2% of respondents have had their physician calculate their lifetime risk for breast cancer; and, 2.5% of respondents had personally calculated their own lifetime risk using an online tool. However, only 1% of respondents knew the actual numerical value of their lifetime risk for breast cancer.
As expected, the survey showed that family history of breast cancer was the most commonly reported risk factor for breast cancer, with 29% of respondents indicating that a female or male family member had breast cancer. Overall, 42% of respondents reported at least one risk factor for breast cancer. As the number of risk factors a woman has increases, the greater is her lifetime risk for developing breast cancer. The survey showed that for each additional risk factor reported, the percentage of respondents who had breast cancer nearly doubled. In addition, the survey also showed that 2.5% of respondents have had genetic testing, yet, only 3% of all others have ever discussed genetic testing with their physician. Genetic testing reveals mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with a 40-60% lifetime risk of breast and 15-40% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations occur in less than 1% of the population, but account for 5-10% of all breast cancers.
“It is a shocking discrepancy that 42% of the respondents have at least one risk factor for breast cancer while only 3% know their own personal risk level,” says radiologist, Ingrid Ott, M.D. “Patients cannot be assigned to the appropriate screening protocol if their risk level is not known.”
The responsibility of identifying high risk patients was recently addressed in the April 2009 ACOG Practice Bulletin released jointly by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO). The organizations recommend that gynecologists provide a routine assessment of a woman’s risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, in order to identify those who may benefit from a more thorough hereditary cancer risk assessment. “The medical community has made tremendous strides in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the past few decades, yet assessment of risk to ensure that women are getting the proper screening for cancer has not kept pace. Our survey demonstrates that the vast majority of women do not have sufficient knowledge of their own lifetime risk for developing breast cancer; without that critical information they may not be taking full advantage of the diagnostic and screening tools available to enable the earliest possible detection of breast cancer.”
Healthcare providers use a variety of online tools or manual calculators to assess lifetime breast cancer risk. Patients can access several online calculators such as:
- Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/
- My Family Health Portrait, https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
Risk levels are determined by lifetime risk of breast cancer as follows:
<15% = average risk, 15 – 20 % = moderate risk, >20% = high risk
WRA has been the leader in women’s imaging diagnostics in the Washington, D.C area for over 60 years, offering the area’s first mammography service in 1961 and OB/GYN ultrasound in 1971. WRA’s board certified sub-specialized radiologists provide diagnosis of medical conditions, disease, and injury using the complete range of imaging modalities at six outpatient offices in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Breast and Body Imaging Specialist Joins Regional Diagnostic Imaging Practice
August 22, 2009 – Fairfax, VA: Sandra M. Polin, M.D., a breast and body imaging specialist has joined Washington Radiology Associates. Dr. Polin recently served as an assistant professor of radiology at Georgetown University where she participated in national studies on the utilization of breast MRI technology in the detection and management of breast cancer. Dr. Polin's recent publications include a review of the effects of Tamoxifen on the endometrium.
Dr. Polin is certified in diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology. She performs a full complement of diagnostic imaging procedures including body CT, mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI, and biopsies. She will practice at Washington Radiology’s private offices in Fairfax, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Sterling and Washington, D.C.
Dr. Polin has earned numerous awards throughout her career beginning in medical school. At Eastern Virginia Medical School she earned the McGraw Hill Book Award for Academic Achievement in 1994 and the Sigfred Award for Achievement in Radiology in 1997. During her residency in diagnostic radiology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, Dr. Polin served as chief resident and was selected for the Toshiba Resident Program for the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (2000). During her fellowship in breast and body imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, she was awarded the 2003 RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award. At Georgetown University she was awarded the 2008 Georgetown Special Procedures Teacher of the Year.
WRA specializes in the diagnosis of medical conditions, disease, and injury using the complete range of imaging modalities. WRA’s board certified radiologists serve patients at six outpatient offices in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Dr. Mark Klein in the Washington Post
April 29, 2009 – Read interview with WRA Radiologist and Virtual Colonoscopy expert Dr. Mark Klein in the Washington Post... read the interview here.
Dr. Mark Klein shares his thoughts on Virtual Colonoscopy
April 27, 2009 – Dr. Mark Klein shared his thoughts on Virtual Colonscopy with News Channel 8 in Washington, D.C. To view the interview, please click here.
Osteoporosis Detection Prescribed for Men Too
April 6, 2009 – Fairfax, VA: Osteoporosis in men is an important public health problem. Osteoporosis in men is substantially underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underreported. Although osteoporosis is often viewed as a disease of women, studies show that osteoporotic fractures also result in substantial morbidity, mortality, and financial expenses in men. In the U.S., it is estimated that 2 million men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. Another 7 million have low bone mass or osteopenia of the hip which puts them at high risk for osteoporosis and fractures. The prevalence of osteoporosis is estimated to be 7% in white men, 5% in black men, and 3% in Hispanic men. With the aging of the population it is estimated that in 2020 one in two Americans over age of 50 will have, or be at high risk of developing osteoporosis and left unchecked, hip fractures will double or triple by this date.
The risk of mortality is 2.8–4 times greater among hip fracture patients during the first 3 months after the fracture. The loss of independence after a fracture can be psychologically devastating and lower the quality of life.
In May 2008, the American College of Physicians released new recommendations for men to receive an individualized assessment of risk factors for osteoporosis periodically and obtain dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for those who are at increased risk for osteoporosis and are candidates for drug therapy.
DXA scanning is a simple non-invasive test that measures the bone mineral density of bones most at risk for osteoporosis, primarily the spine and hip. It has been proven to be the most accurate and reproducible test to measure bone mineral density. DXA can identify low bone density before a fracture occurs and measure treatment impact on bone mineral density.
For patients over age 60, who have lost 1 inch in height, have focal back pain or have compression fractures, an additional test called vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) is warranted. VFA performed in conjunction with DXA is used to assess the architecture or distribution of the bone and can pinpoint the population at high risk for hip fracture. VFA can find breaks in the bone or abnormally shaped bones which indicate osteoporosis that a bone mineral density assessment alone sometimes cannot.
Washington Radiology has been providing DXA assessments for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for over 10 years. “If we can detect it – it can be treated before a fracture occurs. That’s what makes DXA and VFA so compelling,” says radiologist, Dr. Edward Lipsit. WRA’s board certified radiologists are available to answer questions about DXA, VFA and the risk factors and recommendations for osteoporosis screening and monitoring for both men and women.
WRA specializes in the diagnosis of medical conditions, disease, and injury using the complete range of imaging modalities. WRA’s board certified radiologists serve patients at six outpatient offices in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and northern Virginia.
8 Steps for Navigating Your Way to Breast Health
January 6, 2009 – Women today encounter a complex range of information on breast cancer from the scientific and medical communities that seems to change regularly. Whether the news is the root cause, potential risks, revised guidelines or the technology to detect breast cancer, information overload can make it complicated, confusing and time consuming to make informed decisions about breast health care.
In addition to being a radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, PC (WRA), Leonard M. Glassman, MD, F.A.C.R is the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Scientist at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. “Medical research and technological advances have created a maze of breast care choices that women and their doctors must navigate,” he says. “At WRA, we can manage the entire breast screening and diagnostic process, and help women understand the imaging options available to them.” WRA’s Director of Mammography, Julianne S. Greenberg, MD, adds “It’s my job, but also my privilege, to educate women about their diagnosis and help explain the various treatment options they may experience within the context of a complex medical system.”
Washington Radiology Associates, PC recommends 8 steps for women to take in their efforts to achieve breast health.
- Visit your family practice physician, internist or gynecologist annually if you are over age 40 to receive a clinical breast exam. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam every three years. If you discover something unusual in or around your breast don’t wait, contact your doctor immediately.
- Discuss your personal medical history and family history of breast cancer with your doctor to determine your individual lifetime risk and appropriateness of mammography, breast MRI, genetic testing, breast self-exam (BSE), diet, hormones, and environmental exposures.
- Perform regular BSE, if advised by your doctor, to help monitor physical and visual changes in the breast. See the American Cancer Society’s 2007-revised procedure for instructions on correctly performing a BSE.
- Get an annual digital mammogram starting at age 40 if you are at average risk, or earlier for women with a strong family history of breast cancer. In addition, women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations or a first-degree relative with BRCA1/BRCA2 should obtain an annual breast MRI.
- Choose a mammography center accredited and certified by the FDA under the Mammography Quality Standards Act and the American College of Radiology. Return to the same center each year.
- Understand that after your screening mammogram, it is not unusual to be called back to the mammography center for additional mammogram images, a breast ultrasound or even breast MRI. Receive all additional exams suggested by your doctor and the radiologist.
- Do not panic if you are advised to undergo a breast biopsy because of an abnormality. Most biopsies are negative, but it is imperative to know for sure. In many cases, you can return to the same mammography center for a minimally invasive biopsy procedure without the need for surgery.
- Ask questions of the medical professionals you encounter along the way. They are there to help you understand the purpose of each exam and the choices you have concerning your breast health care.
WRA Donates Funds to Breast Cancer Care Foundation
November 24, 2008 - Washington Radiology Associates, PC (WRA) today announced it will contribute $10,000 to the Breast Cancer Care Foundation (BCCF), a non-profit organization that provides access to breast health care and monetary assistance for Washington area women diagnosed with breast cancer. WRA’s monetary donation is in addition to its ongoing donations of diagnostic imaging services to patients referred from the BCCF and other community clinics throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
Jean M. Lynn, MPH, RN, OCN, President of the Breast Cancer Care Foundation underscored the increasing need of the foundation. “Our applications for assistance have almost doubled in the last month. We can really see the effects of the economy on our clients.” WRA’s President, Dr. Edward Lipsit, offered, “We’re glad we can contribute to an organization that will make a difference immediately. We have been providing mammograms and other imaging to women from the Breast Cancer Care Foundation, but with the economic crisis, we see they need more.” The mission of the BCCF is to fill the gap that other social programs do not cover. “We have applications requesting help with rent, utility bills, insurance premiums, and chemotherapy co-payments. We’re very grateful for Washington Radiology’s generous donation,” said Lynn.
WRA Donates Diagnostic Services to Needy Patients
November 15, 2008 - During the past year, WRA has performed 1850 charity exams valued at more than $700,000 to patients referred from various area organizations including:
- Arlington Free Clinic, Arlington
- Breast Cancer Care Foundation
- The Culmore Clinic, Falls Church, 703-941-3142
- Fairfax Community Health Network, Reston, Alexandria, Falls Church
- Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, Herndon
- La Clinica Del Pueblo, DC
- Loudoun Community Health Center, Leesburg
- Mercy Health Clinic, Gaithersburg
- Mobile Medical Care, Bethesda, 301-493-2400
- The Loudoun Free Clinic, Leesburg
- Whitman-Walker Clinic, DC and Arlington
Radiologist Joins Regional Diagnostic Imaging Practice
September 5, 2008 - Agnes E. Holland, MD, PhD joins the practice of Washington Radiology Associates, PC Dr. Holland, completed a four-year residency in diagnostic radiology at New York University Medical Center and completed fellowship training in Breast and Body Imaging at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, both in New York City, before entering private practice. Dr. Holland is a diplomat of the American Board of Radiology. In addition, Dr. Holland is an accomplished research scientist and has published numerous peer reviewed papers on specialized uses of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including breast MRI, which she has presented internationally.
Dr. Holland will see patients in the Fairfax, Sterling, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and DC clinical offices. She is fluent in Dutch, Hungarian and German. To schedule an appointment at Washington Radiology Associates, PC, call 703-280-9800.
Dr. Holland is the third physician to join Washington Radiology Associates, PC this year.
Centralized Scheduling Hours Extended
August 25, 2008 - WRA has expanded its scheduling hours to accommodate callers before and after regular work hours. The scheduling team is now available from 7:30am - 6pm Monday through Friday. The scheduling phone line is 703-280-9800. All studies can be scheduled by calling this number, with the exception of MRI, breast biopsy and all nuclear medicine studies (including PET/CT) which are scheduled by calling the WRA clinical office.
An Insurance Update on CT, MRI, PET For Cigna Members
November 1, 2008 - Effective November 1, Washington Radiology will no longer perform CT, MRI, and PET studies for Cigna members without an explicit, written authorization from Cigna to WRA. Patients who would like to contact Cigna to request a written authorization should call member services at 1-800-244-6224 or e-mail Cary Moon at cary.moon@cigna.com or Susan Jarrell at susan.jarrell@cigna.com.
This change in status is the result of many months of good-faith contractual discussions by WRA with Cigna; but in the absence of a satisfactory agreement, WRA can no longer provide these services. WRA is continuing negotiations with Cigna and we hope to have an agreement signed soon for CT, MRI, and PET services. Please feel free to check back with us here at this website for future updates.
Please be aware that there has been no change to mammography, ultrasound, DEXA, X-Ray, Fluoroscopy, HSG, and Nuclear Medicine exams. WRA is happy to provide these services to Cigna members without special authorization.
New York Times Examines Radiologists' Transition To Digital Mammograms
April 10, 2008 - Leonard Glassman, MD, a radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, is interviewed by the New York Times in a recent article on Digital Mammography.
Click here to read entire story.
ACR Selects Breast Imaging Scientist
June 22, 2007 - Leonard Glassman, MD, a radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, has been chosen as the American College of Radiology's (ACR) "Breast Imaging Scientist" at the AFIP. Dr. Glassman received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College at the age of 22. He was a radiologist in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) study in the 1970s and spent three years as a radiologist in the US Air Force in Europe. After settling in Washington, DC, he spent a year as a radiologist at George Washington University and before entering private practice at Washington Radiology Associates, PC. He served as Chief of Radiology at Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center for 14 years. Dr. Glassman began lecturing on breast disease and breast imaging at the AFIP in 1988, heading the Breast Imaging subsection. Dr. Glassman is currently a Fellow of the American College of Radiology and Clinical Professor of Radiology at George Washington and Georgetown Universities.
WRA Offers Digital Mammography Practice-Wide
July 8, 2006 -Washington Radiology Associates is pleased to announce our practice-wide conversion to digital mammography services. This decision to fully convert to digital is based on results from the Digital Mammography Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST results). This large clinical trial (reported in The New England Journal of Medicine) showed the accuracy of digital mammography to be equal to film mammography for all women in the study group, and to be superior to film for women with dense breasts, women under age 50, and premenopausal and perimenopausal women. We believe that using the newest generation of equipment, and because of the many peripheral benefits of digital imaging, digital mammography is ultimately better for ALL women.
For more information about the DMIST Trial and digital mammography, click here.
