Clinical Excellence

October 29, 2008

Kaiser Permanente's Leading-Edge Technology and Service Encourage Preventive Mammography Screenings for Members

Kaiser Permanente's Southern California region recently was recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as the nation's number one health care organization in breast cancer screenings for women between the ages of 52 and 69. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and is diagnosed in 211,000 women annually.

Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente has an array of services designed to ensure screening for breast cancer, ranging from mobile screening vans in some service areas and breast health fairs, to built-in prompts in its electronic health records system, KP HealthConnect™ — the world's largest civilian electronic health record.

When Mary Gonzales of Baldwin Park, Calif., came in for a scheduled appointment with her allergist in September 2007, KP HealthConnect provided the receptionist, Susan Salas, with an alert to remind Gonzales that she was overdue for a mammogram and the guidance to help the patient book one. At the time, Gonzales was 66 years old and had not had a mammogram in nearly two years. Salas was able to book Gonzales an appointment on the spot.

Gonzales's subsequent mammogram showed early signs of breast cancer, and she was called in immediately for a second examination and ultrasound that resulted in a biopsy the very next day. Her diagnosis was confirmed, and doctors surgically removed the tumor the following week.

"I'm really happy that she pushed me to make the appointment, because I probably would have waited," Gonzales said. "I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I owe a lot to Susan."

With early-stage detection, breast cancer survival rates are significantly higher – up to 97 percent – emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings. Kaiser Permanente members interested in more information on screenings and mammograms can use My Health Manager to conveniently schedule appointments, receive lab results, and e-mail questions to their doctors.