FDA awards highest quality rating for Carol Milgard Breast Center

The Carol Milgard Breast Center was awarded the highest quality review possible by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adhering to the most rigorous quality and safety standards set forth by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).  Receiving the "All Items in Compliance" rating from the FDA is exceptional because almost 25 percent of U.S. breast programs have not received this high quality standard.  

John Peixotto, M.D., a TRA Medical Imaging mammography radiologist explained, "A perfect score especially on the first FDA inspection demonstrates that the Carol Milgard Breast Center offers the residents of Tacoma and the entire South Sound the highest quality screening and diagnostic mammography care with the most technologically advanced medical expertise."

"Earning the 'All Items in Compliance' rating, the highest that can be earned from an FDA mammography services inspection, reflects the exceptional dedication and medical expertise of the Carol Milgard Breast Center professional staff," says Marcy Parsons, clinical operations director for the Carol Milgard Breast Center.  "Our center is well known for high quality mammography care by the most highly trained medical professionals who make it their mission to provide the patients we serve with the best possible breast imaging services in the most empathetic, caring, and respectful environment."

The FDA conducts annual reviews of all U.S. mammography facilities to ensure compliance with quality standards set forth by the 1992 Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The inspection covers standards in equipment performance and safety, technologist quality control, personnel qualifications, medical reports, and medical outcome audits. The FDA reported in December 2009 that currently only 78 percent of all U.S. mammography centers have received the "All Items in Compliance" highest rating.