Beth Seaman has been a breast cancer survivor for nearly 10 years now, but her routine annual mammograms still bring about a measure of anxiety and frightening memories. She’s nevertheless grateful for a couple of things that help soothe her stress. Since Hoke Hospital opened in 2015 – offering Hoke County its first full-service hospital – Seaman appreciates the fact that she doesn’t have far to drive from her home in Raeford. Hoke Imaging, located on the second floor of Health Pavilion Hoke adjacent to Hoke Hospital, offers state-of-the-art 3-D mammography along with a full range of other potentially life-saving diagnostic screenings, including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and, most recently, Hoke County’s first permanent MRI machine. And when Seaman arrives on the hospital’s beautiful sprawling campus, she said it’s also comforting to be greeted by kind and caring staff, like mammographer Jackie Carty. Seaman and Carty actually have a bond that dates back to when Seaman was diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump in her breast during a self-exam. Carty, who was working at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center at the time, performed the follow-up mammogram. Seaman underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center in 2011. “Fortunately, mine was not an aggressive form of cancer,” Seaman said. “And fortunately, I caught it early.” She was delighted to reconnect with Carty when Hoke Imaging opened. “She remembered me,” Seaman said. “She was actually in the operating room and held my hand when they did my lumpectomy. She’s the ultimate reason as to why I return each year.” Seaman even wrote a letter to hospital administrators praising Carty. “I wanted to write to praise an exceptional employee,” Seaman wrote. “I never have fear when getting my mammogram with Ms. Carty. She has a very special way of relating to me with professionalism and kindness that provides me with great confidence that I will have an outstanding experience when getting my mammogram. She makes me feel like I’m not a number or just another person.” Clyde Hough, who has 44 years’ experience in radiology and
has been Radiology Manager for Hoke Imaging since the
facility opened; said he isn’t surprised. “I get the most compliments about her,” he said of Carty. Carty, who lives in Hoke County, said mammography lends itself to a special connection with patients. “That’s what I love about it,” she said. “Some of our patients return year after year. It’s all about getting the patient to relax to get a good image. It’s all about getting the best possible images. We compress because we care.” Hoke Hospital in general has a reputation for having a friendly atmosphere, so much so that Hough said patients drive from other counties, especially once they learn that they can receive so many important services there. It isn’t necessary to be a Hoke Hospital patient to use the services of Hoke Imaging, though the services do require a referral from a primary care doctor or specialist. Appointments are available Monday through Friday. CT and ultrasound appointments are also available on the weekends. And because Hoke Imaging is classified as an Independent Diagnostic Treatment Facility, patients can receive a high level of care with a lower co-pay and lower out-of-pocket expenses. All imaging tests are stored in electronic format, which means that Hoke Imaging patients, as well as their primary care physicians, can view the results of their tests and screenings through the MyChart app. Patients are able to share their record immediately with anyone who needs access. “It’s beneficial to everyone in this area,” said Hough, who is a Hoke County native. “Once people learn what we offer, they’re willing to drive to get the services. We also offer same day appointments, fast results and ease of parking without a long walk. We’re very convenient.” Most importantly, Hoke Imaging has the cutting-edge technology that can result in peace of mind and early detection of problems. “They have the best technology and the most updated technology,” Seaman said. “And having Hoke Imaging enables me to have that technology while cutting the distance in half.”