Vesta Teleradiology | breast imaging

Each May, National Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive care, early detection, and access to high-quality medical services for women across the country. Among these essential services, breast imaging stands out as a cornerstone of women’s health — and timely, accurate interpretation of mammograms plays a vital role in early detection of breast cancer.

But what happens when a facility doesn’t have immediate access to a subspecialty-trained breast radiologist?

That’s where teleradiology steps in.

At Vesta Teleradiology, we support women’s health initiatives year-round by providing reliable, fast, and compliant mammography interpretations, especially for facilities that may not have in-house specialists available.

The Need for Expert Mammography Interpretation

According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., and regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and before symptoms appear1. The American College of Radiology (ACR) also notes that interpretation by radiologists trained in breast imaging can improve detection rates and reduce false positives2.

However, many imaging centers and rural hospitals don’t have a dedicated breast radiologist on-site — and delays in interpretation can lead to gaps in care or unnecessary anxiety for patients.

This challenge is magnified by a growing shortage of radiologists, particularly those specializing in breast imaging. A 2023 workforce survey from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) highlighted that more than 50% of practicing radiologists are over the age of 55, and retirements are outpacing new entrants. Breast imaging — already a subspecialty with fewer practitioners — is feeling the strain. Many facilities are facing longer turnaround times or are unable to offer advanced imaging interpretation consistently.

In addition, burnout remains a real concern. Breast radiologists face high volumes and frequent callbacks, which can affect accuracy and job satisfaction. Teleradiology can help balance the workload by offering overflow and relief coverage, supporting both the health system and the radiologists themselves.

How Teleradiology Closes the Gap

Vesta Teleradiology provides healthcare facilities with remote access to subspecialty-trained radiologists, including experts in breast imaging. This allows imaging centers, OB/GYN clinics, and hospitals to meet women’s health needs without overextending in-house teams.

Here’s how we help:

Full MQSA-compliant interpretations
Support for both screening and diagnostic mammograms
24/7/365 availability, including STAT and overflow reads
Subspecialty reads in breast MRI, ultrasound, and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis)
Seamless PACS integration and secure data exchange

Whether your site needs full-time coverage or help during vacation season, we ensure that your patients receive timely, high-quality reads.

National Women’s Health Week Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Imaging Readiness

National Women’s Health Week 2025 runs from May 12–18 and encourages women to schedule important preventive screenings — including mammograms.

Facilities should be prepared for increased volume during this time and throughout Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns later in the year (October). Having a trusted teleradiology partner means you can handle increased demand without sacrificing quality or turnaround times.

Vesta Teleradiology: Your Partner in Women’s Imaging

At Vesta, we believe in supporting facilities that support women. Our flexible coverage options and experienced radiologists help ensure that women’s health screenings — including mammograms — are interpreted accurately, securely, and quickly.

Whether you’re preparing for Women’s Health Week or looking for year-round coverage, we’re here to help you deliver the care your patients deserve.

Let’s improve access, together. Contact us to learn more about how Vesta can support your women’s imaging services.

The best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages is by mammograms–merely an X-ray of the breast. There is no financial strain because health insurance plans are required to cover the costs of mammograms every one or two years.

When you reach your forties, you should begin conversing with your medical providers about when to start and how often you should get a mammogram.

breast cancer awareness — Take care to get your screenings

Specialists usually recommend the procedure for women between 50 to 74 years of age at average risk of breast cancer and performed every one or two years depending on the woman’s risk factors.

How to Prepare for a Mammogram

When your healthcare provider suggests scheduling a mammogram for the first time, there are some considerations.

If possible, you should consider making your appointments at a nearby facility that specializes in mammograms. In doing this, you can have technicians who are very familiar with the process and accurately compare your mammograms yearly.

mammogram technology — Mammogram screening

If you need to change facilities, it’s best to arrange to have all your records sent to the new clinic for X-ray comparison. It is also an excellent idea to bring all the dates and locations of any previous breast procedures done.

Specialists advise that women avoid making mammogram appointments the week before their periods. Breasts are more swollen and sensitive during this time which can cause the mammogram procedure to be uncomfortable for them and may interfere with taking clear X-rays.

Technicians will advise that women wear pants or a skirt with a top that they can easily remove along with their bra. They also recommend that women do not use any deodorant, lotions, or powders that may show up as spots on the X-ray.

When You Arrive at the Imaging Center

Most technicians are very considerate and sensitive to what women experience during mammograms. They will ask you to undress above the waist and will give you a wrap to wear.

Many clinics have private dressing areas where you undress and wait for your technician to escort you into the X-ray room. There will only be the two of you in this area which is helpful to reduce any anxieties you may have.

You will stand in front of the mammogram machine, and the technician will position your body and breast for the most accurate X-rays. Your breast will rest on the device, and a plastic upper plate will lower and compress your breast.

The process takes 10 to 15 seconds for each body position, and there are usually only two or three X-rays taken per breast. The whole procedure only takes about 20 minutes.

Your Mammography Results

Mammography produces black-and-white digital images of your breast tissue that will be sent to a physician specializing in radiology to interpret. An imaging center could also refer to a teleradiology company to have a radiologist do the interpretation. Most clinics offer 2D mammograms for breast screening, but many facilities now offer 3D mammograms.

The radiologist will then report their findings to your healthcare provider. This process will take approximately ten days but could take longer. The radiology report will determine if you will need further X-rays, possible MRIs, or treatments. Physicians call back about 10 to 13% of women for abnormal findings, but most of these findings are not breast cancer.

Regular mammograms are an easy, safe way to screen for breast cancer. The most challenging part about the process may be remembering to make your annual appointment, and many women make their birthdays a reminder to make their yearly appointment.

What can be more celebratory than scheduling what may be a life-saving procedure for your health on the most important day of the year for you, your friends, and your loved ones?

Tag: breast imaging

Supporting Women’s Health with Subspecialty Teleradiology: National Women’s Health Week 2025