The co-location of mammography, ultrasound and bone density imaging in one suite at the Women’s Imaging Center makes for more efficient communication between staff and an overall better experience for patients.

After one visit, Monica Broussard has already become a walking testimonial for the new Women’s Imaging Center at Iberia Medical Center’s North Campus.

“I actually have recommended it to my friends already,” she said mere days after her annual mammography visit. “I had been there when it was Dauterive Hospital, but the changes they have made there are amazing.”

The concept behind the imaging center, which opened last month, was to create a private, relaxing and efficient one-stop shop for women.

“It was actually nice. It was very surprised when I walked in. It was very clean, very relaxing. I love the way they have it decorated,” she said.

The eight-member staff of the center, all of whom came from the existing Iberia Medical Center radiology staff, are universally effusive in their support of the effort.

“It’s an improvement in how we allow women to take charge of their health care,” said Cassie Domingues, one of the four mammographers working at the center.

“It makes women more comfortable,” said Lindsey Gaspard, another of the mammographers. “We get lots of compliments. The patients can walk right in.”

“And they are less anxious,” Domingues said. “It’s not like a traditional hospital environment.”

The feel of the center, which occupies the southwest corner of the first floor of the North Campus facility, is more like a high-end salon than a medical facility. The walls are cool pastels, and the furnishings and flooring complement the vibe. Rather than having medical textbook images on the walls, affirmations and decor complete the feel of a quiet relaxation spa.

“It is what we call boutique care,” IMC Marketing Director Lisa Landry said. “The concept was to put all of these modalities for women’s care in one place. It was developed from patient feedback.”

The result is a tiny oasis catering specifically to women’s health needs, to include mammograms, breast biopsies, and OB/GYN care. Aside from the specific differences in anatomy, women’s care requires a different level of interaction from the staff.

“I am chatting like crazy when I bring patients back here,” Gaspard said. “It’s better all around because we can relate to the women better, because we face the same issues they do. Personally, I love working in women’s health.”

“Women ask far more questions about their care than men do,” said Rikki Gravois, another member of the team.

So far, the results have been very positive.

“We see anywhere from 25 to 30 patients a day,” said Gaspard. “They can walk in, and even if they are not on the schedule, we can usually get them in. It moves quickly. We have a very good system.”

Women’s Imaging Center Director Marcus Latiolais said the center is already in the process of expanding its list of services.

“In the next few months, we’ll be adding a non-surgical technique called stereotactic breast biopsy,” Latiolais said.

If a mammogram identifies a mass, the stereotactic method uses two separate x-rays to guide a biopsy needle directly to the mass so it can be tested. It is a far less intrusive method than traditional surgical breast biopsy.

According to Landry, putting the best face on health care for women is also a sound marketing decision for the hospital.

“This is setting the tone for the North Campus,” Landry said. “I like to call it our jewel box. Women typically make health care decisions for their families. As our services expand, this makes a strong first impression on them for health care decisions in the future.”