SALIDA, Colo.—Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) is happy to announce the addition of Automated Breast Ultrasounds (ABUS) to the Imaging Department, an advanced diagnostic screening that enhances breast cancer detection for those with dense breast tissue.

Mammograms are a routine screening and an important part of preventative care for those assigned female at birth. The American College of Radiology recommends women who are at average-risk for breast cancer be offered mammograms starting at age 40.¹ Following a routine mammogram, a radiologist may determine that a patient has dense breast tissue and recommend additional imaging, such as ABUS, to ensure the most accurate evaluation. Dense breast tissue is common in approximately 40% of women.

ABUS is a supplemental screening exam that uses sound waves to create a 3D image of the breast, designed to detect cancers often hidden in dense breast tissue that mammograms may miss. An added benefit to offering ABUS in Salida is reducing the need for patients to travel outside of the area for specialized screening.

When used alongside routine mammography, ABUS provides a more comprehensive assessment of dense breast tissue and has been shown to improve breast cancer detection compared to mammography alone for women with dense breasts. HRRMC is proud to continue bringing advanced technology and high-quality care to the community.

If a radiologist determines that additional screening is needed after mammogram results, the patient’s ordering provider—typically their primary care provider—will place the order, and the patient will be contacted by HRRMC’s Central Scheduling team to schedule an ABUS appointment. While a patient can self-refer for a screening mammogram, it is required that a patient have an order from their provider for an ABUS screening.

Colorado is one of several states with laws stating that health plans must cover comprehensive breast imaging², ensuring those assigned female at birth have equitable access to supplemental breast screening. Additional screening includes ABUS.

While ABUS screenings may be covered by insurance, it is recommended to call your insurance company to determine what your out-of-pocket cost may be if your primary care provider recommends this screening for you.

To learn more about ABUS services at HRRMC, visit hrrmc.com.

Sources:

¹Monticciolo DL, Malak SF, Friedewald SM, et al. Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations Inclusive of All Women at Average Risk: Update from the ACR and Society of Breast Imaging. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 2021;18(9):1280-1288. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2021.04.021

²Michaelson S, Bird J, Mclaughlin K. SB 25-296 Fiscal Note Legislative Council Staff SB 25-296: INSURANCE COVERAGE for BREAST CANCER EXAMINATIONS Prime Sponsors: Summary Information Change in State FTE 0.0 FTE 0.0 FTE.; 2025. https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/fn/2025a_sb296_00.pdf