Help EPH add important ultrasound equipment

A person is applying gel to a medical ultrasound probe. The probe and an ultrasound machine's control panel are visible in the background.
The new Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound machine will allow EPH’s on-site radiologist to conduct needle biopsies to test for breast cancer, speeding up care for local patients. (Photo by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health)

The Estes Park Health Diagnostic Imaging department has ultrasound technology, but it is time for an upgrade. Ten generous women taking part in the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo campaign are donating their time and talents this summer to raise money for the updated equipment. The Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo campaign is raising money for the updated equipment. The new Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound machine will (among other things), allow EPH’s on-site radiologist to conduct needle biopsies to test for breast cancer, speeding up care for local patients.

An ultrasound image showing a black circular area surrounded by red-orange patches within a rectangular overlay.

As eighty percent of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of fifty, this is an important health concern for the Estes Valley’s older population. (Photo by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health)

“In conjunction with our state-of-the-art 3D mammography, we want to add state-of-the-art, high-resolution ultrasound in order to be able to provide a prompt and confident diagnosis for anything that might come up on a mammogram that could be abnormal or anything concerning to patients,” explained EPH Radiologist Dr. John Knudtson. “We will be able to immediately get patients in for a diagnostic ultrasound and, if need be, we can also add on an ultrasound-guided biopsy.”

Instead of having to wait two or three weeks for a biopsy appointment down valley, Estes Valley patients would be able to get a local appointment quickly and potentially have an answer in less than a week’s time.

“In addition to breast care services, we want to have top quality ultrasound imaging for all our ultrasound services here, especially in the detection and diagnosis of other cancers like uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers,” Dr. Knudtson added. “We’re very excited about the possibility of expanding this service line.”

As part of its strategic plan, Estes Park Health is aiming to create a more female-friendly diagnostic imaging center. As eighty percent of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of fifty, this is an important health concern for the Estes Valley’s older population.

 100% of donations given to Crowns for the Care benefit this cause.

Go to Paint Estes Pink - Estes Park Health (eph.org) to donate today. Deadline for donations is early July.