Freeman Health System pauses mammography services – again

For the second time in less than a full year, Freeman Health System in Joplin has suspended its mammography services for area women.

Freeman suspended mammography services for the first time in November 2024.

NewsTalk KZRG reached out to Freeman with a series of questions to which a hospital spokesman responded by providing the following written statement.

“Freeman Health System has temporarily paused mammography services at our Women’s Pavilion location in Joplin following a recent review by our accrediting body due to regulatory requirements, as part of our ongoing corrective actions from last year. We continue to work with the American College of Radiology (ACR) to gain clarification, address the findings, and become fully reinstated.

 “Although this outcome is extremely disappointing, we are working with the ACR to address their noted concerns. No patient impact has been identified that would require repeat imaging at this time. Our commitment to patient safety and quality care remains our focus. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our services meet the highest standards.

“We have also taken swift action to maintain patient access and continuity of care by redirecting all scheduled mammography patients to Freeman Neosho Hospital, which remains fully certified and operational.”

The statement concluded by saying that Freeman “remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care” and “will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.”

In addition to Freeman-Neosho, mammography services are available at the Mercy Breast Center at 100 Mercy Way in Joplin.

People wanting to make appointments should call 417-556-2273.

Mammograms may also be scheduled through Integris Health in Miami, Oklahoma.

The telephone  number there is 918-542-6611.