Women's Services - Rockford Health System

Nurse Navigators

Compassionate and skilled nurse navigators will lead you through your entire experience. The nurse navigator obtains a focused patient history and will help you complete the genetic risk assessment tool (BRCA) to determine if you may be at risk for breast cancer. She performs clinical breast exams and works with you and your provider to facilitate the scheduling of appointments and tests.

In addition, the nurse navigator will be available to attend appointments, procedures and even support you before and after surgery, upon your request. She also serves as a resource if you are diagnosed with benign breast changes or breast cancer. She will supply you with the latest information on changes in breast health and breast cancer care to help keep you up to date, and she coordinates referrals to community resources, such as support groups, social services, and financial aid.

The Women's Center at Rockford Health System

At The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System, our staff focuses on keeping you relaxed and comfortable during your visit. Whether you are having a digital mammogram, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, or osteoporosis testing, you’ll find respectful care through every step of your experience.

Here are some highlights of our services:

For pictures of The Women's Center at Rockford Health System, click here.

Digital Mammography

Our center offers the latest technology, including digital mammograms. With digital mammograms, X-rays are still used; however, they are turned into electric signals that can then be stored in a computer. This offers many benefits over film-based mammography.

The digital images are obtained quicker with a shorter examination time resulting in less radiation. There is also an improved ability to see into dense areas of breast tissue, and the radiologist who reads the image has the ability to adjust breast image contrast on display monitors for more accurate detection of breast cancer.

Mammograms are recommended for women annually starting at age 40. If you have a family history, your physician may recommend screening you at any earlier age.

Multidisciplinary Panel

If further treatment is needed, a panel of physicians and providers including a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastic/reconstructive surgeon, pathologist, radiologist, genetic counselor and nurse navigator, will come together with you and your family to discuss and review your information. The purpose of this meeting is to develop an individualized plan of care and allow you and your family time to ask questions.

During the meeting, the group will review your clinical history and pertinent reports, including mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, and pathology. There will be a complete evaluation and roundtable discussion with you, your family, doctors, and your nurse navigator. The group will determine the best treatment options for your specific case, whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, reconstruction or a combination.

Resource Library

The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System also houses a Resource Library. The library has consumer databases for patients, families, and friends produced by the National Library of Medicine and other institutions. Information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues are available.

The library also has a collection of books, newsletters and other resources on important women’s health issues, including pregnancy, breast diseases, obstetrics/gynecology, osteoporosis, and menopause.

The professional librarian will provide reliable research information upon request from physicians, nurses, and patients.

Diagnostic Services

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat breast conditions. Ultrasound imaging produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast.

Biopsy

We offer three types of biopsy – ultrasound guided biopsy, stereotactic biopsy and surgical biopsy, if needed.

The ultrasound guided biopsy is performed using the ultrasound image to locate the area in question. The procedure is performed by a board-certified physician. It is a non-surgical method which allows for little or no discomfort for you.

The stereotactic biopsy is a non-surgical method used to obtain tissue of a breast abnormality, such as a suspicious solid mass, micro calcifications (a tiny cluster of small calcium deposits), and an area of abnormal tissue change.

MRI

An MRI assesses multiple tumor locations and identifies early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease. The MRI evaluates abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound and distinguishes between scar tissue and recurrent tumors. The MRI determines whether cancer detected by mammography, ultrasound, or surgical biopsy has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall.

Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density Testing

Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density Testing detects bone loss and strength of the bone. The gradual loss of bone density begins in all adults after age 30. Forty percent of women over age 50 will experience fractures due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.

Consultative Services

General surgery consults are available daily, and plastic surgery consults are available weekly.

The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System is located 7180 Spring Brook Road in Rockford.

For an appointment, call (815) 971-2000.