Mammography Services FAQ's

FAQs: Freeman Health System Loss of Mammography Accreditation

1. Why am I being contacted regarding my mammogram service between the dates of September 13, 2022, and November 7, 2024?
The Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) empowers the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that all mammography facilities meet established quality standards. During a routine review of 30 randomly selected studies, our accrediting body, the American College of Radiology (ACR), identified that some images did not fully meet their clinical image quality requirements as outlined by the FDA. As a proactive measure, Freeman Health System is reaching out to patients who received mammograms at the Freeman Women’s Pavilion in Joplin during the specified dates to provide support and ensure quality care.

This means that simply receiving the letter, having your mammogram re-reviewed, and even having your provider order a repeat mammogram does not mean that a diagnosis or the reading of the initial mammogram was inaccurate or affected, as many images are taken and reviewed during each study to assist our interpreting provider in properly diagnosing and interpreting each study. Instead, an order for a repeat mammogram will be based on positioning and clarity of the image, not necessarily your specific physiology. If a new image is needed, it does not mean the physician found something concerning on the mammogram, rather that the imaging did not meet our quality standards.  

2. Why has Freeman Health System lost mammography accreditation at this location?
The loss of accreditation resulted from a recent evaluation that identified some images, of a random audit of 30 studies, as not meeting the quality standards outlined in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) guidelines. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required us to stop performing mammography as of November 7, 2024, at the Freeman Women’s Pavilion in Joplin. 

This issue is specifically related to the quality of these images and may or may not impact the associated diagnostic findings. However, the interpretation of all other images remains unaffected. We are fully committed to resolving these concerns and ensuring the highest quality of care by improving image quality. 

To avoid similar issues in the future and to ensure all images meet the quality image standards, Freeman Joplin Women’s Pavilion has paused its mammogram service and is revitalizing its processes and training, as well as undergoing equipment calibrations with the manufacturers of our 3D mammography units. We apologize for this disruption to the Joplin service line. Please be assured, Freeman Joplin Women’s Pavilion is actively taking the necessary steps and required action to get up and running again for our patients. 

3. Why did Freeman Health System wait to notify me?
The FDA outlined strict requirements for notifying patients, which means that Freeman Health System could not notify patients or providers until the notifications were approved by the FDA. In addition, there is a strict timeline for notifying the providers and patients that must be followed. Freeman Health System has been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to finalize the accuracy of information and identify the patients to be contacted. 

4. What is the timeline for notification?
Freeman Health System must follow the required notification schedule as provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Following approval from the FDA, letters will be mailed to providers between December 12-13, 2024, and letters to affected patients will be mailed December 18-20, 2024.

5. What will my letter indicate?
If you receive a letter from Freeman Health System indicating you received a mammogram within the September 13, 2022, and November 7, 2024, the letter will provider additional information about why you are receiving the letter and what options are available to you. 

6. Can I still schedule a mammogram at this location?
No, mammography services are temporarily unavailable at the Freeman Women’s Pavilion in Joplin. However, patients can still be seen at our accredited Freeman Health System location, in the Neosho Women’s Pavilion, which is MQSA Certified and accredited with the ACR, to ensure continuity of care. If you choose to wait until services are available again at this location, we will work with you to accommodate when available or find alternatives that meet your specific needs. 

7. Where within the Freeman Health System network can I go for mammography services?
You can visit the Freeman Neosho Women’s Pavilion, which remains MQSA Certified and accredited with the ACR. The facility is equipped to provide mammography services. Please contact our scheduling department, at (417) 347-7777 for assistance scheduling your mammogram today.

8. Will my previous mammogram results still be accessible?
Yes, all prior mammography records and imaging are securely maintained and accessible. These can be transferred to another Freeman Health System location or to an external provider upon request.

9. How do I transfer my records to another location?
To transfer your records, please contact our medical records department (417) 347-6685, Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We will ensure a smooth and timely transfer of your information.

10. How will this impact my upcoming appointments?
If you have an upcoming mammography appointment at this location, our team will contact you to reschedule at the MQSA Certified and accredited Freeman Neosho Hospital Women’s Pavilion location.

11. How long will this location be without mammography accreditation?
We are actively working to address the concerns identified during the evaluation. However, the timeline for reaccreditation depends on the completion of necessary actions and subsequent approval by the accrediting body as well as completion of the patient provider notifications with the FDA. We are actively working toward reaccreditation and are optimistic about achieving it in early 2025.

12. Is my care at other Freeman Health System locations affected?
No, this issue is specific to mammography services at the Freeman Women’s Pavilion in Joplin. All other services at the Freeman Women’s Pavilion in Joplin, Joplin Freeman Health System facilities, and mammography services at other Freeman Health System facilities remain unaffected.

13. Who can I contact with my questions or concerns?
For further information or assistance, please contact the Freeman Mammography Call Line at (417) 347-8989 or mammo@freemanhealth.com. We understand the urgency of your questions and want to address them promptly. To help us serve you efficiently, we kindly request that you leave only one message. Our clinical staff will return your call within two business days.

14. What steps are being taken to regain accreditation?
We are implementing corrective measures to address the concerns identified, including additional training for staff, procedural upgrades, process improvements, and equipment calibration. Patient safety and quality care remain our highest priorities.