All mammograms from the last 2 years 'could be subject to an inaccurate interpretation,' hospital warns

A Florida hospital is recalling every woman who has had a mammogram at their facility over the last two years after a review uncovered significant shortcomings in the quality of their exams. 

Per an order from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, North Shore Medical Center in Miami, Florida, has had to halt all mammography services. The hospital is recommending that any women who have received a mammogram at the facility between March 14, 2022, and March 14, 2024, to reach out about being screened again. 

In a statement, Cathy Pague, spokeswoman for North Shore Medical Center, cautioned patients that the review indicated that patients’ previous exams “could be subject to an inaccurate interpretation," according to the Latin Times. Pague also said that the facility would cover the costs of any additional imaging. 

In a letter directed to patients, Terri Noe, MD, the lead interpreting physician at North Shore, described the findings as “a serious concern.” 

"This does not necessarily mean that the results you and your healthcare provider(s) were given are wrong," the letter states. "However, most patients will need to have their mammogram(s) performed at our facility reviewed to determine whether a repeat mammogram at another facility is needed." 

North Shore has not disclosed how many patients or exams were impacted by the news, nor has the FDA, stating they are "not able to discuss details of possible or ongoing regulatory actions." 

North Shore is operated under its parent company, Dallas-based Steward Health Care System, which has seen its fair share of financial turmoil recently. Earlier this year, North Shore was forced to conduct layoffs and shut down its neonatal intensive care, obstetrics, and behavioral health units. In May, SHCS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is currently in the process of selling its portfolio of 31 hospitals.