Ascension Providence gets certification for quality breast care

The Ascension Providence Breast Health Center has been recognized by the National Consortium of Breast Centers as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program™ (NQMBC™). This distinguished honor represents the highest level of recognition in the program, and a commitment by the Ascension Providence Breast Health Center to provide high quality breast health care to patients in Waco and beyond.

“We are proud of our growing breast health program and to be recognized for offering high quality breast care to individuals right here in Waco,” said Philip Patterson, president of Ascension Providence. “A multidisciplinary team works together to provide seamless cancer care, even for high risk patients.”

In 2020, Ascension Providence announced the expansion of its breast health program, including updated technology, experienced physicians and staff, and facility renovations. Serving the community for more than 10 years, the Ascension Providence Breast Health Center was the first in Waco to offer 3D mammograms, an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Recent innovations included the replacement and expansion of ultrasound units, specimen x-ray machine, breast MRI and new program for high risk patients.

The National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program

The NQMBC™ was developed by referencing the Health Care Advisory Board's Clinical Quality DashBoard for breast centers published in the fall of 2004. The NQMBC™ reflects more than 11 years of work, which has culminated in the adoption of more than 33 National Quality Indicators™.

The National Consortium of Breast Centers promotes excellence in breast health care for the general public through a network of diverse professionals dedicated to the active exchange of ideas and resources. It serves as an informational resource and provides support services to those rendering care to people with breast diseases through educational programs, newsletters, a national directory and patient forums. It encourages professionals to concentrate and specialize in activities related to breast disease and encourages the development of programs and centers that address breast disease and promote breast health. It facilitates collaborative research opportunities on issues of breast health; and developed a set of core measures to define, improve and sustain quality standards in breast health care programs and for quality performance in all types of breast health care facilities.

Ascension Providence Breast Health Center is located at 6600 Fish Pond Rd #104, Waco, TX 76710. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 254-235-3535.

For more information regarding the NQMBC™ Program, visit www.breastcare.org.