Hawai’i Radiologic Hilo Center Loses Mammogram Certification

Mammography operations at Hawai’i Radiologic Associates, Ltd. Hilo’s Women’s Imaging Center have been suspended.

The center was ordered to suspend their mammogram services, losing certification, by the United States Food and Drug Administration, after random samples showed that mammograms performed at one of the units did not meet standards.

Patients who completed one of 12,000 mammograms at the Hilo center between June 30, 2014 and Aug. 24, 2015 may have had inaccurate tests. They are urged to review the mammograms with their health care provider to determine if a retest is necessary.

A certified letter has been sent to each patient, notifying them of the potential concern.

“Patients who had mammography at our Hilo center during that time should not take this lightly,” said Dr. James Lambeth, President of HRA. “Those who receive our letter should contact their doctors immediately to review their exam and determine if a repeat exam is warranted.”

HRA will review mammograms taken during that timeframe, if requested, and when necessary, perform another mammogram at its Kona facility at no charge to the patient.

Patients can also go to other certified mammogram centers of their choosing. HRA will provide previous mammographic examinations to that facility for review.

“We apologize for this apparent lapse in quality assurance at our Hilo Center,” said Dr. Lambeth. “We want to make very clear that our Kona facility is unaffected by the decertification.”

HRS is undergoing the USDA process for recertification of its mammography services. Other services at HRA’s Hilo Women’s Imaging Center continue to operate.

Dr. Lambeth says that HRA hopes to have the re-certification process completed and mammogram services reset within three months. Staff and technicians are also undergoing additional training.