What qualifies a site as a 'breast care center'

What qualifies a site as a breast care center?  Does a doctor have any specialized training to preform biopsies?  I had a stereotactic one done. (actually two at one visit-neither obtained the calcifications and the marker was half an inch off from the desired area) When the doctor wanted to do a needle localization later, I decided to go elsewhere.  The second breast care site was a much better experience even though much more invasive.  I am writing this the morning after, and have had much less pain and better pain management from the second one.  I spoke up equally and did not try to be stoic either time.  The same doctor that removed my husband's gall bladder wanted to remove my calcifications.  What training do these people have?  How can one find out whether they are up for the challenge?  Both claim to be breast centers.  My second doctor said there is a "learning curve" and doctors need to be doing the proceedures regularly.  He was also dismayed that I brought no records other than the very latest radiologist report with my very complete packet of films dating from the most recent back to 1988.  There was nothing of my previous history not even the results of my biopsy or any history.  I am furious with the first place, and it is my local hospital.  Handing me a rose on my way out the door does not make up for improper medical care! It took five precious months between first suspicion and removal of a walnut to small plum size biopsy.
So please help us women (and men) know what to look for when our very lives are at stake.  Thank you for your help. LynneBrooke

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Lynne,  Below is general information about judging quality healthcare obtained from Cleveland Clinic website www.clevelandclinic.org. section on quality measures that you and others may find helpful:

How do you judge quality?
Hospitals, health care facilities and doctors are not all alike. They vary in quality due to differences in their training, experience and services. Quality can be measured in many different ways. While there is no universal agreement on which method should be used, the following six criteria are often cited as the best indicators to determine whether or not you receive quality care for your medical condition: credentials, experience, range of services, research and education, patient satisfaction, outcomes.  

Credentials: Hospital: The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits nearly 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. JCAHO accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization

[Peachy48]

Hi. I would be furious too!! FIVE MONTHS? First of all a BREAST center should do nothing else, but mammo's, ultrasounds, biopsies, breast surgery etc. The doctors should be listed WITH qualifications on their breast website, or your county or state licensing board should have all this info. Where they studied, their residencies, fellowships, interests, etc.. Also, you can go to your local Medical Society website or call in your county or state and ask to see your docs qualifications and whether he/she has had any marks against their records.
Your hospital SHOULD have included all the REPORTS along with the films. You can call the medical records dept in that hospital and request the reports as well. In the future make sure you ask for ALL paper reports that go along w/each test. I have learned over the yrs to check every report and every dictation from every doctor, and they HAVE made mistakes where I am concerned, one was grievous and neglegent. I have had cancer. I have it again. I keep a folder with dividers for pathology reports, biospy reports, lab results, doctors dictation for each visit, etc.. You have to be your own advocate. There are many mistakes in the system and you cannot count on them for accuracy all the time, it just the way it is, an imperfect system. I pray for your peace and hope that all of this works out for you.

[LynneBrooke]

Thanks for your insight.  I have switched hospitals and doctors and though am in a greater amount of discomfort due to the proceedure, I am much more satisfied with the process and professionalism of the new site.  I received my call promptly at 8 this am, while wondering when I should make the call to them.  They said that I am ok, no problems whatsoever, but if I had had cancer, I think I would have sued.  I know I will never trust them with my life again.  As I have no insurance and am on a state sponsored program for breast and cervical health, I have told my case manager of the issues as well.  She could not believe that I was not followed closer when the first biopsies did not have the desired results.  So even in health care, Let the Buyer Beware.