Pandemic mammogram backlog reduced

Among the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the forced delay in mammograms and other cancer screenings.

Now, with a radiology van and multiple locations in New Haven and Fairfield counties, Yale Radiology has caught up significantly on the 18,000 mammograms that were delayed after March 2020, according to Dr. Regina Hooley, interim breast imaging division chief.

“We still have a backlog,” she said, but “we’ve opened up our appointments and we’ve done better. … We’re accommodating our patients. I think we’re doing a good job and we’re getting them in.”

The key is to be flexible about the location. While Smilow Cancer Hospital is popular, radiologists circulate among all locations, Hooley said, and the technology is the same everywhere.

“We all like the variety, actually,” she said. “There’s some misperception that the offices in Fairfield County are somewhat of an afterthought, second rate, but they’re not.”

The Fairfield County sites are managed by Bridgeport Hospital, Hooley said, while those in New Haven, North Haven and Guilford are run by Yale New Haven Hospital.

“For the most part I think it’s much more convenient to be in and out in 30 minutes if possible, which is not always available at Smilow because parking takes a little time,” she said.

The van, which rolled out Nov. 10, 2020, is “state of the art” and has the “same technology, personnel” as the office locations, Hooley said. Up to 26 appointments per day can be scheduled at the van, which has gone to Mohegan Sun casino and other distance places.

Simple three-dimensional mammograms are easier to schedule than if an ultrasound is included.

“We understand people want to have them together, but those are more labor-intensive and coordinating those two appointments gets trickier as well,” Hooley said.

“We’re also aware that we’re operating in a pandemic,” she said. “We’re seeing more patients but we’re also becoming more efficient in managing social distancing,” cleaning and other tasks.

“It’s important for women to have their screening and mammogram and not push them off for too long,” Hooley said. “If you’re off by a month, it’s fine, even two months. You just don’t want to skip it for a full year and I think booking early is important.”

Mammograms are available at the following locations in New Haven County: Yale-New Haven Breast Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, 35 Park St., New Haven; Long Wharf Medical Center, 150 Sargent Drive, New Haven; North Haven Medical Center, 6 Devine St.; and Shoreline Medical Center, 111 Goose Lane, Guilford.

In Fairfield County, these locations are available: Outpatient Radiology Services, 2909 Main St., Stratford; Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 5520 Park Ave., East Pavilion, Trumbull; Outpatient Radiology, Commerce Park, 4699 Main St., Bridgeport; and Outpatient Radiology Services, 425 Post Road, Fairfield.

Hooley said there hasn’t been a significant backlog for other cancer screenings, including prostate, lung, coronary artery, thyroid and colon.

For appointments, call 203-6881010 or 203-772-0003.