Solis Mammography, the nation's largest independent provider of breast imaging services, announced today a partnership agreement with the University of Chicago Medicine. The agreement signifies the intention for Solis Mammography to jointly manage the medical center’s on-campus breast imaging center at 5841 S. Maryland Ave. in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood and to expand by offering new off-campus breast centers in the greater Chicago area. Solis Mammography’s presence on campus is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2017.

UChicago Medicine has a strong history of academic excellence in both mammography quality and clinical research. It is the home of many firsts in the realm of breast cancer care. Its breast cancer experts continually advance the program with research, leading-edge techniques and treatment options. It is also one of the country's leading sites for robust breast cancer clinical trials and is one of two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Chicagoland. It is the leader in Chicago that offers phase one, two and three clinical trials for women with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, the academic medical center is the only institution in Chicago that is part of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium. Its participation in these clinical trials means greater access to novel care, including neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery), for breast cancer patients.

Local market demographics, however, show a significant backlog of women trying to schedule their annual screening, but having limited access due to location or capacity challenges.  In addition, extensive market research with today’s healthcare consumer demonstrates a high demand for off-campus (suburban) sites that offer easier access, quicker turnaround and enhanced center aesthetics.  The goal is to make the mammography experience more convenient and enjoyable, thereby encouraging women 40 and older to get an annual breast health screening as part of a comprehensive preventative health program. 

Serving more than 600,000 patients each year, Solis Mammography is known for making the patient experience such an exceptional one that women won’t avoid getting their annual mammogram.  This patient-centric commitment begins the moment a woman decides to schedule and continues through her results and billing.  At every step, dedication to the patient experience is treated with the same respect and priority as is clinical accuracy. 

The Solis Mammography/UChicago Medicine partnership seeks to combine the best of both brands — clinical excellence through research-based protocols, upgraded technology and an enhanced center experience — to include:

• Extended reach of breast imaging services to suburban off-campus locations in the greater Chicago area;

• Seamless continuum of care through UChicago Medicine, if treatment is needed beyond screening and diagnostic imaging;

• Exceptional clinical accuracy that comes from a dedicated focus on breast specialization, and upgraded technology with 3D Mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis);

• Warm and welcoming breast imaging centers with décor, music, artwork, and aesthetics all designed around today’s female consumer;

• Improved patient conveniences like ease of center access, convenient locations, free parking, tablet registration, exceptional service, and real-time 24/7 online scheduling; 

• And, fast, exceptionally accurate results by email within 24-48 hours of their visit. 

“The University of Chicago Medicine has a rich history of providing exceptional patient care,” said James Polfreman, president and CEO of Solis Mammography. “This partnership will build upon our shared commitment to research-based clinical protocols and a dedicated focus on breast imaging specialization.  Through this partnership, we will together be able to deliver our signature Peace of Mind Mammogram™ to women in the greater Chicago area.”

“The combination of UChicago Medicine’s expertise in breast imaging and Solis’ experience in providing efficient, attractive and convenient outpatient facilities with state-of-the-art equipment will be a major benefit to women in the Chicagoland area,” said Dr. David M. Paushter, professor and chair of UChicago’s department of radiology. “Improving both access to breast imaging services as well as quality of care is central to this partnership, which leverages the clinical and academic talents of our specialized breast radiologists.”