"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
WRA Supports FDA In Efforts To Better Manage Medical Radiation
March 24, 2010
Welcome News About CT, MRI, PET Coverage For Cigna Members
March 22, 2010
President Obama & Medical Team
Opt For Virtual Colonoscopy – As part of his annual physical
in late February, President Obama was screened for colon cancer using
3D Virtual Colonoscopy.
Read
more about President Obama’s check-up
Learn
more about Washinton Radiology Virtual Colonoscopy services
March 1, 2010
Washington Radiology Associates Earns ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Designation for all of its Breast Imaging Facilities
January 12, 2010
New SBI and ACR Recommendations Suggest Breast Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 40
January 11, 2010
Washington Radiology Associates Response to USPSTF Screening Mammography Recommendations
November 20, 2009
Leonard Glassman, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, is selected as semifinalist for 2009 'Minnies' Awards
September 23, 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
At the request of the American College Of Radiology, Mark Klein, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, is in New York for a live interview on Virtual Colonoscopy with FOX News Online in the STRATEGY ROOM. Watch Now.
July 27, 2009
Kirsten Hanson, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, discusses osteoporosis in men on TV News Channel 7. Watch Now.
June 30, 2009
WRA Gynecologist Pioneered Obstetrical Ultrasound Passes Away
June 25, 2009
Kirsten Hanson, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, talks about osteoporosis on the "Watch News Channel 8 Live!" with anchor Dave Lucas. Watch Now.
May 20, 2009
Osteoporosis Detection Prescribed for Men Too
April 6, 2009
Mark Klein, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, discusses Virtual Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer with "Watch News Channel 8 Live!" anchor Dave Lucas on the mid-day show. Watch Now.
January 12, 2009
8 Steps for Navigating Your Way to Breast Health
January 6, 2009
Peter Dunner, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, discusses breast health with "Watch News Channel 8 Live!" anchor Dave Lucas on the mid-day show. Watch Now.
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
ACR Selects Breast Imaging Scientist
June 22, 2007
WRA Offers Digital Mammography Practice-Wide
July 8, 2006
WRA Supports FDA In Efforts To Better Manage Medical Radiation
March 24, 2010 – Recent articles in healthcare journals and the press have raised important questions about radiation exposure from medical imaging studies. Washington Radiology supports efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) to promote informed clinical decision-making, the safe use of medical imaging equipment, and increased patient awareness about radiation as it relates to diagnosing and treating disease.
As fully-accredited diagnostic imaging facilities, WRA strongly advocate legislative recommendations by the FDA and ACR that would require ALL providers to meet minimum standards for radiology and technology. Accreditation means each facility would meet basic education and training standards, imaging equipment would be regularly surveyed by a medical physicist to ensure that it is functioning properly and radiation dose is not excessive, and that the technologists administering the test are appropriately certified.
At WRA we have embraced the 'as low as reasonably achievable' program (ALARA) which limits the use of radiation by certified technologists to the lowest amount necessary to obtain optimal images. WRA follows the ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards criteria and we are doing our part to educate referring physicians on the most appropriate imaging exams for given clinical indications.
There are considerable benefits in diagnosing disease using CT, nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy imaging because it can lead to early treatment and improved outcomes. In any medical test or procedure, the risk of not performing the exam should be carefully considered against the benefit resulting from the exam.
Your health and safety are important to us. For more information about imaging and radiation safety, please visit the ACR patient education website www.radiologyinfo.org or contact any of our clinical offices and ask to speak with a manager.
Welcome News About CT, MRI, PET Coverage For Cigna Members
March 22, 2010 – Effective April 1, Cigna members who need CT, MRI and PET studies will be able to use WRA as an in-network provider. This change in status has occurred after months of discussions with Cigna. During this time, WRA received calls of support from many patients asking when WRA would once again be a preferred option in the Cigna network for these advanced imaging studies. "We are pleased to have resolved our contractual issues with Cigna for CT, MRI and PET," says Patrick Waring, Administrator for WRA. "We are delighted to continue serving the Cigna member population, while maintaining a standard of care that supports our commitment to quality medical imaging," he added. WRA's agreement with Cigna for mammography, ultrasound, DEXA, x-ray, fluoroscopy, HSG, and nuclear medicine exams was never affected by this change. WRA always has and continues to provide these services for Cigna members.
Washington Radiology Associates Earns ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Designation for all of its Breast Imaging Facilities
January 12, 2010 – Washington Radiology Associates, P.C. (WRA) has become the first private practice in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to earn the designation of Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for all of its breast imaging centers. WRA has 5 breast imaging centers throughout the region located in Fairfax, Virginia; Sterling, Virginia; Bethesda, Maryland, Chevy Chase, Maryland and Washington, DC.
By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the College's voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.
"We are very proud that all five of our WRA breast centers have been designated as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence," said Julianne S. Greenberg, MD and Director of Mammography Services at WRA. She added, "Patients can be assured that they will receive the highest level of comprehensive breast health care at all of our locations."
The breast imaging services at WRA centers are fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that each of WRA's facilities has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs.
The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs for focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology, as well as the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
New SBI and ACR Recommendations Suggest Breast Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 40
January 11, 2010 – The new recommendations from the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) on breast cancer screening, published in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR), state that breast cancer screening should begin at age 40 and earlier in high-risk patients. The recommendations also suggest appropriate utilization of medical imaging modalities such as mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound for breast cancer screening.
Washington Radiology Associates Response to USPSTF Screening Mammography Recommendations
November 20, 2009 – 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 surprising 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:
- Women’s
Imaging Online –‘Revealing
Oz Behind The Curtain’ (PDF)
- 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
Leonard Glassman, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, is selected as semifinalist for 2009 'Minnies' Awards.
September 23, 2009 – Washington Radiology congratulates Dr. Leonard Glassman for being selected as a semifinalist for the Most Effective Radiology Educator category of the 2009 Minnies, AuntMinnie.com's annual event recognizing excellence in radiology. AuntMinnie.com is the premier industry site for radiologists and related professionals in the medical imaging industry. Minnies candidates are nominated by AuntMinnie.com members in September of each year. Semifinalists are selected through a vote by AuntMinnie's expert panel of radiology professionals.
Dr. Glassman has travelled the globe educating fellow radiologists on breast cancer diagnosis for more than two decades. In this year alone he has given presentations to the Japan College of Radiology in Fukuoka, Japan; the Radiological Society of the Netherlands in Ede, Holland; Jornada Paulista de Radiologia in Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. where he serves as an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Scientist. Dr. Glassman will complete his international travel this year in October with a presentation to the French Society of Radiology in Paris.
We applaud Dr. Glassman for his passion and his tireless efforts to educate the worldwide medical community on breast cancer diagnosis and congratulate him on this most deserved honor.
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.
WRA Gynecologist Pioneered Obstetrical Ultrasound Passes Away.
June 25, 2009 – William J. Cochrane, MD, MB, ChB, FACOG, best known as an obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound pioneer and founder of Washington Ultrasound Associates passed away June 25, 2009. A board certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Cochrane practiced obstetrical and gynecological diagnostic ultrasound with Washington Radiology Associates until his retirement in 2008.
William James Cochrane was born in Hamilton, Scotland ahead of his identical twin brother, Nathaniel. He received his medical education at the University of Glasgow and completed internships and residences in medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and surgery in hospitals throughout Scotland. In 1967, Dr. Cochrane was called upon to serve as a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps for the Attached 42 Royal Marine Commando in the Aden Protectorate, now South Yemen. After completing his military service, he came to the United States for an OB/GYN residency program at George Washington University. During a training session at Columbia Hospital for Women, a visiting professor from Scotland and protégé of Dr. Ian Donald who pioneered the use of ultrasound in the medical field demonstrated obstetrical and diagnostic ultrasound for the first time to the residents. "Dr. Cochrane was fascinated and elbowed his way to the front of the line to get a closer look. He found his passion with diagnostic ultrasound," says Dr. Martin A. Thomas, retired radiologist with Washington Radiology and Columbia Hospital?s then Chief of Radiology.
After his residency, Dr. Cochrane was appointed to a research fellowship in diagnostic imaging at Columbia Hospital and went sent back to his native Scotland to train with Professor Donald at the Queen Mothers Hospital in Glasgow. In 1971, after his return to Washington, Dr. Cochrane established the first abdominal sonography program at Columbia Hospital for Women in conjunction with a research foundation. He stayed at Columbia Hospital for several years as an attending OBG before starting private practice. His practice focused on providing consultative ultrasound although he continued to deliver babies. In 1979, Dr. Cochrane founded the corporation, Washington Ultrasound Associates in conjunction with Washington Radiology Associates where he established himself as the premier authority in OB/GYN ultrasound in the Washington metropolitan area. He lectured at all the major Washington area hospitals on diagnostic ultrasound and created a loyal following of fellow physicians. By 1982 Dr. Cochrane had delivered his last baby and dedicated himself entirely to his practice of diagnostic ultrasound at Washington Ultrasound. In 1987, his group merged with Washington Radiology Associates where he continued his work in diagnostic imaging for the next 21 years.
Dr. Cochrane was an avid golfer and long-time member of Congressional Country Club in Bethesda. We will miss him.
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.
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.
Leonard Glassman, MD, radiologist at Washington Radiology Associates, is interviewed by the New York Times in a recent article examining the transition to digital mammography.
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.
