Liberty Hospital Women’s Imaging

August 19, 2018

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Exploring New Frontiers in a Safe, Trusted and Women-Friendly Environment

Offering the latest in 3D technology, walk-in screening mammograms, immediate results, experienced technologists and friendly staff, this female-friendly environment is designed to make the imaging experience a comfortable and stress-free one.

Photos by Strauss Peyton

The award-winning Liberty Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art healthcare; its compassionate delivery of service; its team of outstanding physicians; and its desirable location. Patients who come to Liberty Hospital know they will be treated as a top priority. It is no surprise, then, that Liberty Hospital Women’s Imaging takes the stress out of your life by making it easy, comfortable and yes, even inviting, to get those necessary health screenings accomplished.

Of course, no medical facility is complete without a highly-trained, experienced and knowledgeable staff, and Women’s Imaging is no exception. From the moment patients enter the center, they will feel welcome and at home, as the team approach utilized here is designed to make each patient a top priority.

Amy Patel, M.D.: Women’s Imaging Medical Director and Breast Radiologist

As part of the dynamic wheel of this team, Amy Patel, M.D., Women’s Imaging Medical Director and a board-certified and fellowship-trained Breast Radiologist, brings to the table a cornucopia of expertise, experience and innovative ideas to enhance the superior care to which patients have become accustomed. Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Medicine, followed by her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Kansas – Wichita School of Medicine. She then completed her Fellowship in Breast Radiology at Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in St. Louis, and most recently was a part of the Breast Imaging Section at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as well as Instructor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School.

With these experiences to her credit, Dr. Patel provides patients at Liberty Hospital a wealth of resources that will continue to allow her the opportunity to further enhance the excellent patient care for which the hospital is recognized. Her areas of expertise include 2D and 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, 2D and 3D stereotactic-, ultrasound- and MRI-guided biopsies, wire localizations and ductography.

“We are providing and will be providing things unique to the city,” she emphasized. With her Ivy League background and experience in her tool kit, Dr. Patel has a vision for the center and passionately hit the ground running when she joined the group in July of this year.

“We offer efficient and streamlined processes here,” she expressed, referencing the availability of walk-in screening mammograms and same-day readings for patients. “The whole subspecialty is trying to accommodate patients by offering same-day readings if they want them. This is also unique for patients who live in rural areas, as they can stay here and finish the work-up in one day, if they so desire.”

Dr. Patel, who originally is from Chillicothe, Missouri, understands rural health care disparities and desires to provide excellent standards of care for patients, especially through the availability of a one-stop shop type of center.

“It is important to us to provide a service that can be addressed in one day, so patients do not have to make multiple trips back and forth,” said Dr. Patel, who also calls her patients and directly relays biopsy results to them. “I have the education and the information to be able to interpret the imaging and tell them exactly what the results mean, as I understand the pathologies and can accurately direct them as to the next steps. Additionally, we are receiving positive feedback from referring providers with respect to this service.”

Additionally, Dr. Patel emphasized the formal consultation services Women’s Imaging offers, which is tremendously beneficial in streamlining the process. For example, if a patient was seen initially by a breast surgeon or an oncologist or has moved from out-of-state, Dr. Patel can provide a formal consultation that she dictates based on the information she receives.

“It is essentially a second opinion but in a formal consultation format,” she explained.

Dr. Patel is fellowship-trained in MRI-guided biopsies, which adds an additional layer of training – and confidence – in the interpretation of the results.

A powerful advocate for women, Dr. Patel is highly passionate about her role at the center.

“I feel strongly about being able to educate patients and am fortunate to be in a position to boost knowledge here in Kansas City,” she stated. “I love everything about women’s health, patient interaction and performing procedures.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Patel is equally at home on the political front, where she is known for her passionate discourse involving legislation with respect to 3D mammography and related insurance coverages. She was an integral part of the recent legislation that indicates Missouri state law, effective January 1, 2019, expands the definition of mammography to include that private insurers must cover both 2D and 3D mammograms annually beginning at age 40. Prior legislation only required insurers to cover 2D mammography every other year from age 40-49 and annually beginning at age 50.

“Private insurers have to cover the cost of 3D mammography at the full 3D mammography rate beginning in January 2019,” explained Dr. Patel, who noted that previously, this came at an additional cost if patients desired 3D imaging in certain populations, including those who did not qualify for Medicare. (It is important to note, however, that patients should check with their insurance company with respect to the details of their individual coverage.)

Dr. Patel frequently assumes leadership roles at the national level for various committees, most notably the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging. She was recently the recipient of the Howard Fleishon, M.D. Advocate of the Year Award from the American College of Radiology Association and was the youngest and first female radiologist to receive the award.

Elizabeth Butler, M.D.: General Surgeon and Breast Oncologist

Another key player on this medical team is Dr. Elizabeth Butler, general surgeon and fellowship-trained breast oncologist, whose friendly and approachable presence immediately puts patients at ease. A graduate of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Dr. Butler completed her general surgery residency at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center at the University of New England in the greater New York City area. While in training, Dr. Butler was the lead investigator on numerous research projects and was also Chief Resident, honored with the award for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching from New York Medical College Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Dr. Butler, who completed her fellowship in breast disease at Women and Infants Hospital of Brown University, joined St. Luke’s North Hospital in July and is highly enthusiastic about partnering with the team at Liberty Hospital.

“We can do a variety of things here at the center, including imaging, oncology and surgery,” commented Dr. Butler. “This is the ideal setting if you want a true breast center. With all related specialties just steps away, we also enjoy enhanced communication, as well as the opportunity to develop a good surgical plan when needed.”

What Dr. Butler enjoys about her specialty is the multidisciplinary approach it affords her, working alongside equally passionate and trained oncologists and radiologists.

“I do not want to be an island unto myself,” she expressed. “I like bouncing ideas off others on the team and also enjoy taking care of women. I also like the way the center optimizes its services for patients, and I truly believe the good communication we have as an overall team is a key element for the excellent patient care we offer.”

Ashley Mayes, R.N.: Nurse Navigator discussing results with a patient.

Even with solid processes in place, patients do need a guiding light to direct them through their individual health concerns. As such, the Women’s Imaging enjoys the services of Ashley Mayes, R.N., BSN, Nurse Navigator, whose title truly says it all.

“I am there to speak with patients after they obtain their results and to answer any questions they might have,” said Mayes, who essentially covers all aspects of patient care from beginning to end, allowing for a seamless transition throughout the process, alleviating the stress – and often the fear – of what comes next.

“I help patients set up appointments and will also accompany them at their initial appointment and consultation, writing notes for them so they can just listen and not have to worry about everything that is being said at that time,” said Mayes, who is a strong partner for each patient, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

“Sometimes patients are intimidated to call the doctors, but they can always call me, and I will work to get their questions answered,” she noted. “I navigate them through the whole cancer experience.”

Just like all other members on the Liberty Hospital Women’s Imaging team, Mayes is equally passionate about her role in taking care of patients.

“I love being able to be there for them,” she emphasized. “Breast cancer is near and dear to me, as my mom had it, and she was treated so well during her experience. I just want to be able to provide that same level of care and attention for our patients.”

Liberty Hospital Women’s Imaging truly is a strong team specifically designed to partner with each patient, ensuring the best in overall care and outcomes.

“We have a great team here and are providing a truly comprehensive breast program,” smiled Dr. Patel. “We are excited to offer all of this to our patients.”