Sentara’s ‘Mammovan’ provides screening mammograms in 2D or 3D

I was driving in Downtown Manassas the other day and I saw a large RV with the Sentara logo on its side, and the word “Mammovan.”

It was difficult to miss. That’s probably because it got a new paint job late last year, so I learned when I found an image of the van to use for this post.

I asked Sentara to provide us with more information about its “Mammovan” and how it serves the community.

What is the Mammovan?
The Mobile Mammography Coach is a 40’ unit that has been outfitted to serve the community as a screening facility on wheels. We have the latest mammography technology on-board, two dressing rooms, a mammography screening room, a full exam room and a registration area. We are equipped with Wi-Fi and the equipment necessary to complete registrations on-board. We run via a diesel generator. We are staffed with a driver/registrar and a mammography technician or two depending on our schedule.

What kind of services does it provide? To Whom?
The Mobile Mammography Coach provides services to women in our community and around Northern Virginia. The program provides screening mammograms in 2D or 3D (tomosynthesis – the most current screening technology.) We are able to screen women who are of screening age, 40 and over that are symptom free. In some occasions, we are able to screen ladies 35-39 that have a family history of breast cancer with a physician’s order.

How long has Sentara been providing this service to the community?
The program started in May 2012 and saw approximately 800 ladies the first year. We have been growing annually and are currently seeing an average of 1,100 ladies in the community a year.

Why is this so special?
Sentara’s Commitment of Improving Health Every Day is what we focus on. Before the program, we heard things like: I don’t have transportation, it takes too long, there isn’t a place close to me or my job or I have to take a half-day off work to drive down the highway.

We have removed those barriers with the Mobile Mammography Coach. We come to you, right to your neighborhood, church, medical clinic, school or workplace. The women schedule an appointment; they are in and out within 15 minutes and on their way. Many employers love this because it takes the employee away from their desk for a much shorter time, and the employee does not need to use a sick or vacation day to have a screening mammogram. Teachers love the program because they don’t really have an option of leaving class for half a day without getting a substitute. With this program, the teachers can break each other or have one substitute cover the teachers throughout the day.

How do I get the Mammovan to come to me?
You can email call Tracie Mayhew at 703-523-1997.

How do I get a mammogram if I can’t afford it?
Sentara bills insurance for mammograms just like it would at the hospital. However, if you don’t have insurance, Sentara has a financial assistance program. We will provide you with the application form when you have your screening mammogram.