Is there any preparation on my part prior to my appointment?

If your previous mammogram was not done at one of our locations, you will be asked to contact your former provider and request that your film be sent to us for a comparison study.

What should I bring to my appointment?

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration.
• Bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID.

Your insurance company will be billed for the procedure. You will receive a bill for any co-pay or non-covered expenses.

How should I prepare for my exam?

• Schedule your clinical (physical) breast exam prior to your mammogram.
• Schedule your mammogram the week following your period.
• If you have breast tenderness, take a mild pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) about one hour before your scheduled mammogram. If caffeine causes breast tenderness, refrain from caffeinated beverages for one week prior to your mammogram.
• Do not wear deodorant, lotion or body powder on your chest or underarm areas on the day of your appointment. These can appear on the mammogram images as calcium spots.
• Please inform us if there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.

What should I wear to my examination?

You may prefer to wear a two-piece outfit to your mammogram appointment, as we will ask you to disrobe from the waist up. A gown will be provided. If you are wearing deodorant, you will be asked to remove it.

How long will my exam take?

A mammogram typically takes 30-45 minutes.

Is a mammogram painful?

You will feel the compression when it is applied for each image. Unless your breasts are already tender, the exam should not be painful. Some patients do experience brief discomfort.

What happens during my exam?

The technologist will position one of your breasts between two plates, which will gradually compress for each image. This may cause discomfort, but you should not experience significant pain. The process will be repeated for your other breast. For the best quality images, you will be asked to remain as still as possible during the exam.

What happens after my exam?

Your images will be interpreted by one of our board-certified breast imaging radiologists. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider.

In certain circumstances, you may need further diagnostic evaluation, such as a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound. This does not necessarily indicate an abnormality was found or that your mammogram was not properly obtained, but that additional images are needed to ensure all breast tissue is fully evaluated.