The diagnostic office is one of the area’s few standalone centers
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Elizabeth Wende Breast Care has provided breast diagnostic care for 50 years.
Back in 1975, patients awaiting results from a mammogram or other test for a breast abnormality would typically have to wait for days or even weeks for results.
Unfortunately, many of today’s providers take up to 10 days to provide patients with their results.
“We were pioneers to realize that breast care is important and we can detect breast cancer by doing screening before the patient or healthcare provider could palpitate something in the breast,” said physician Stamatia Destounis. “We’ve driven the standard of healthcare in the community, not only in Rochester but nationwide that breast radiology is part of healthcare after detecting an abnormality which may lead to a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Oftentimes, patients can receive same-day results and if warranted, have the biopsy right away. Otherwise, patients must wait for nearly two weeks while fretting over the outcome. If they have cancer, it also allows more time for malignancy to grow.
“We’ve all been there,” Destounis said. “I got a message from my gynecologist about results and the office is closed by the time I get the call. And I spend the weekend worrying.”
Elizabeth Wende employs seven providers and 140 total employees among its locations in Geneseo, Brighton, Batavia and Greece.
In 2026, Elizabeth Wende hopes to “continue bringing innovative technology into the facility,” Destounis said. “We are completely 3D and were the first to bring into the area tomosynthesis, typically called 3D, once the FDA approved it. It’s a newer type of mammogram that’s more sensitive and reduces false alarms and callbacks.”
Elizabeth Wende introduced it in 2011.
AI is also part of how Elizabeth Wende interprets imaging, using it as a second look to improve accuracy.
Providers offer genetic screening to patients if they’re high risk and if the screening is appropriate. Genetic testing can help their family know if they have an increased risk for developing cancer. But each patient has the opportunity to speak with a genetics counselor to review family health history.
As with many businesses, and especially those in healthcare, attracting and retaining staff has challenged Elizabeth Wende. Cost for overhead has also proven difficult, along with low insurance reimbursement.
Still, the organization is dedicated to the mission of staying a private practice and resisting “being swallowed by a hospital,” Destounis said. “We want to continue to offer care to our patients and perform clinical research and afford to pay for everything on our own. We don’t get grants.”
Although many women rely on their primary care provider’s referral or go to their local hospital because it’s convenient, Destounis encourages women to realize they have another choice for breast care.
“We’re here for the long-term,” she said. “We will see them through a diagnosis, imaging and explain everything.”