Technology Improves Health Service Access, Accuracy

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Wisconsin meets only 23% of its population’s mental healthcare needs—one of the lowest rates in the country. Forty-four of the seventy-two counties in Wisconsin have less than one psychiatrist available to treat every 30,000 people. To address this shortage, Upland Hills Health (UHH) in Dodgeville is participating in a pilot ‘telehealth’ program with Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) to make mental health services more accessible to Wisconsin rural communities.

 In October of 2016, the RWHC Behavioral Health Telehealth Network launched this pilot telehealth 

program with Upland Hills Health. A patient at a local Upland Hills Health Family Medicine Clinic received a consultation with a Psychologist from Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, WI. The two were able to have a conversation and visual contact via computer connection. The plan is to expand the services available via telehealth to include medication management and nutrition counseling.

The level of accuracy available through mammogram exams was ramped up at UHH in 2016, as well. The Imaging Department has gone through a recent upgrade that allows UHH to offer 3D mammography in Dodgeville. Imaging Director, Lynette Collins states “We have had 2D True Digital mammography since 2012 but are now offering an even more advanced level of imaging.”  3D mammography is technology that provides a three dimensional image of the breast.  The exam and positioning is the same as previous screenings, but now the machine moves as it takes multiple images at different angles.  

3D mammography provides increased clarity and more accurately identifies breast tissues. It helps detect abnormalities earlier, uses a very low dose exposure and provides a reduction in false-positive findings. It is a beneficial technology for all breast tissue types, but is particularly effective for women who have dense breast tissue or are at high risk.

 Upland Hills Health is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams. ACR-accredited facilities voluntarily undergo a rigorous review process to be sure it meets nationally-accepted standards, the staff are well-qualified and the equipment meets or exceeds quality and safety guidelines.