One of the newest advances in diagnostics is digital mammography. Digital mammography uses X-rays, just like older systems, but the image is recorded digitally as a computer file instead of using film. In the past, the process involved exposing film negatives, then the film had to be processed ("developed"), reviewed and stored in large envelopes. If a second doctor wished to review the results, the film had to be shipped to the doctor.

Today's digital system now in use at Phoebe requires only seconds to record each image (as opposed to up to a minute with film). The images can be viewed within seconds of exposure and can be sent anywhere in the world instantly. Management, archiving and recall of the images - stored on a computer or on a disk - is greatly simplified.

Digital mammography makes life easier for everyone involved in the process. The benefits include:

As with many other medical advances, Phoebe's commitment to world-class medicine brought this technology to citizens in Southwest Georgia much more quickly than hospitals in other similar-size communities.

According to Carlton Breast Center team leader Linda Whitten: "Eventually, all mammograms will be done using a digital machine."

Women in Southwest Georgia don't have to wait.