Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is offering a new breast imaging service, providing Islanders advanced screening technology for breast cancer for the first time on the Island. 

The hospital recently purchased a breast MRI coil, which allows patients to get breast tissue imaging that goes beyond a typical mammogram. According to Natasha Hartmann, the hospital’s director of diagnostic imaging, the new technology is essential for patients who are at high risk for breast cancer.  

“This is a piece that we have been hoping and dreaming and wishing for for a long time,” she said.  

The new program officially started in November when hospital technologists went through extensive training. So far, the hospital has been able to serve about 20 patients with the coil.

“The hospital is always looking or thinking about ways we can help our patients get services on the Island and stay here if they can for exams so that they can save themselves a trip,” Ms. Hartmann said. 

The test uses contrast administration, which requires IV injection. The whole process takes around an hour. 

A breast MRI requires a referral from a primary doctor and a pre-authorization process from an insurance provider.  

“It’s important for patients to have a conversation with their own practitioners who can help them assess what their risk level is and whether they would be someone who would benefit from a breast MRI,” Ms. Hartmann said.  

Ms. Hartmann hopes this new addition will lessen the burden on those who would benefit from the test.  

“It’s so important for women to make sure that they’re getting their screenings and take care of themselves,” she said. “We hope that not having the challenge of having to go off-Island for the exam helps keep women healthier.”