If you’ve ever been to Walmart, you’ve likely seen a host of restaurants inside, like Subway or Wendy’s. Now, Walmart’s dabbling in an entirely different field.
Back in December, Walmart launched its first MammogramNow center in its Superstore in Milford, Delaware. The center, which is operated by the radiology provider RadNet, offers basic mammogram screenings to Walmart shoppers who can then use that screening to seek further primary care if necessary.
Dr. Shawana Moore, a member of the Women’s Health Advisory Council at HealthyWomen, said that the centers break down accessibility barriers including time and money, but most importantly increase the number of early detections of breast cancer. Shawana also said that by offering a “one-stop shop” for women, they can get several tasks done in a single trip.
Shawana: Now that helps with them being able to do multiple things, including care for them, their families, by getting the groceries that they need, or clothing they may need or necessities they may need, but also being able to use that same time to then get your screening mammogram.
When it comes to dealing with breast cancer, early detection is crucial for better management and better outcomes, said Shawana. In addition to its accessibility, RadNet’s partnership with Walmart deals directly with issues of equity and diversity.
Shawana: I think equity was at the forefront of this, if not explicitly said, partnering with Walmart, knowing that Walmart clarifies for or serves a diverse population of women, equity was at the key of this.
Within its first month of opening, the Milford location identified one true-positive mammogram. Through early detection, that woman can then go on and seek the appropriate treatment while not having to worry about any responsibility from the screening received at MammogramNow. Due to the success of the pilot location, RadNet has plans for expansion in the near future, said Tim Merchant, National Director of Screening Networks and Population Health Strategy at RadNet.
Merchant: We think there’s a wonderful future for this. We are investing a significant amount of money right now into the technology, and to help facilitate operations like this.
Next time you go shopping at your local Walmart, keep your eyes out for the newest mammogram screening location.
According to a RadNet press release, Walmart shopper Dierdre Bell puts it simply.
Bell: You come here to get clothes, food, medicine. Why not a mammogram?
For Annenberg Media, I’m Robert Westermann.