UnityPoint Norma Schmoker Imaging Center Earns ACR Accreditations

Leah Glasgo

UnityPoint Clinic Norma Schmoker Imaging Center has been awarded three-year terms of accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound following a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®).

The ACR accreditation recognizes the Imaging Center’s commitment to providing high-quality breast imaging services and supporting early detection of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Webster County, with approximately 30 women diagnosed each year. Of those diagnoses, 68% are identified in early stages.

The ACR recommends annual mammographic screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk, with earlier and additional imaging for higher-risk individuals.

“These accreditations reflect our team’s passion for breast cancer education, prevention and early detection,” says Leah Glasgo, president of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge. “In 2025, the Norma Schmoker Imaging Center team performed 6,197 mammograms, an increase of 358 from 2024. We are proud to offer expert imaging services close to home, so patients don’t have to travel for care.”

Breast cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The Norma Schmoker Imaging Center offers mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy to support breast cancer screening and diagnosis. They also offer bone density testing, a quick, non-invasive imaging service to assess bone health and detect bone conditions like osteoporosis.

Mammography is a type of imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breasts. A mammogram can help detect breast cancer and other breast abnormalities in their early stages.

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove tissue samples from an area of the breast that may be cancerous. During the procedure, a specialized mammography machine helps guide the radiologist’s instruments to the area of concern. The tissue samples are then examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.

Breast ultrasounds, a noninvasive imaging test, use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal structures of the breast. Ultrasound may be used to further evaluate areas of concern identified during a mammogram or physical exam.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provide the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

Talk to your primary care provider or visit https://uph.link/mammograms to learn more about breast imaging services at UnityPoint Clinic Norma Schmoker Imaging Center.