Lab services also offered on Saturdays

To accommodate individuals needing Saturday appointments for a variety of services, including mammography screening, the Health First Diagnostic Center is now offering Saturday appointments at its Melbourne location. The Health First Diagnostic Center in Melbourne, located one block north of Holmes Regional Medical Center at 1051 S. Hickory Street, will be open for mammography services from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm every other Saturday effective immediately.

"Health First is aware that the work schedules of many individuals, as well other issues like unavailable childcare or out-of-town travel, can prevent patients from accepting week-day appointments," said Denise Moore, RT, Health First Diagnostic Center Manager. "We want to ensure that these individuals are able to get the necessary screenings they need to monitor and manage their health. By providing Saturday appointments, we hope that area residents will no longer put off important healthcare screenings like breast mammograms."

The Health First Diagnostic Centers are accredited by the American College of Radiology. In addition to mammography services, they also provide breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, conventional needle localization, and ultrasound guided breast biopsy. Only screening mammography services will be offered on Saturdays.

According to the American Cancer Society, women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Recent evidence has confirmed that mammograms offer substantial benefit for women in their 40s, helping to find cancer early. There is no fixed age at which women should stop getting mammograms. Mammograms for older women (over age 65) should be based on the womans health and whether or not she has other serious illnesses.

Saturday Lab Services offered

The Health First Diagnostic Center also offers Lab services from 8 am to noon on Saturdays. No appointment is necessary. Services offered include routine lab work and cardiovascular testing (EKGs). Additional services offered Monday through Friday include general radiology procedures, CT scans, ultrasound, and Dexa bone density.

To make an appointment for a screening mammogram, call 321-434-6100.