Aspirus Provides Complete Patient Support with Breast Health Nurse Navigators
10/19/2022
Amy Price, Carla Bahr, Stephanie Ostrowski
When
it comes to the importance of mammograms, many people think of the radiology
technologist who conducts the actual mammogram, and the radiologist who
analyzes the images. Few think of Breast Health Nurse Navigators, but if a
patient is called back for additional imaging, Breast Health Nurse Navigators
become an integral part of the patient’s care team.
A
nurse navigator is a patient resource and advocate for care – from the initial consultation (which
typically occurs when a concern has been uncovered) through treatment. Aspirus
provides these services free of charge.
Though
each patient’s requests are different, a nurse navigator is there to guide a
patient through their journey. They provide education, offer support, and are
valuable resources in answering questions and concerns. Navigators explain the
pathology results and coordinate follow-up care with the patient.
“I
love being there for the patients, helping to alleviate stress and fear,” says
Stephanie Ostrowski, an Aspirus Breast Health Nurse Navigator.
Thankfully
about 80% of biopsies are negative for a malignancy. For the other 20% of
patients, their nurse navigator now becomes even more important to them as they
navigate a cancer diagnosis and the many options and decisions that accompany
that reality.
The
good news is, with continual advancements in mammography technology, “we’re
catching very tiny cancers now,” says Ostrowski, increasing a patient’s chance
for early detection and better outcomes.
Not
only is the nurse navigator an expert when it comes to testing, pathology, and
understanding the steps involved with a cancer diagnosis, but they also feel
it’s a calling, and the importance of the emotional support they provide cannot
be overstated. Amy Price, an Aspirus Breast Health Nurse Navigator, says, “One
patient at a time, I get to make a difference.”
The
ability to connect with their patients in a meaningful way at an important
crossroads in their life is not taken lightly. Carla Bahr leads the team which
is centrally located at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Since
one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the
need for nurse navigators is greater than ever.
With
Breast Health Nurse Navigators available as an ongoing resource free of charge,
Aspirus is committed to supporting patients every step along the way. They are
available to consult with, free of charge, at 715-847-0066.
In
honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aspirus Health urges all women aged 40
and over to have an annual mammogram. To make an appointment, visit aspirus.org
or use the MyAspirus app. Aspirus provides 3D mammograms at all Wisconsin
locations.
Aspirus
further believes no woman should miss a mammogram based on financial worries;
they offer free mammograms and breast-related diagnostic services for those
with cost concerns. For more information on how to qualify call 800-847-4707 or
visit aspirus.org/free-mammograms.
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