Mammography
Q. What is a mammogram?
A. It is an x-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses only a small amount of radiation. A specially trained technician places your breast between two plastic plates. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to flatten the breast tissue and get a good, clear image. Two pictures are normally taken of each breast.
Q. Does a mammogram hurt?
A. Some women report a little discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds. Firm compression is important to ensure a clear image. To lessen the discomfort, pre-menopausal women can plan to have their mammogram the following the end of their menstrual cycle.
Q. Do the Breast Care Center doctors read my mammogram?
A. No, the physicians in the Breast Care Center are surgeons who have had special training to read and interpret mammograms. However, the radiologists in the St. Luke's Department of Radiology issue the final report on all mammograms and sonograms.
Q. What is the difference between a sonogram and an ultrasound?
And what is it?
A. They are the same procedure, which uses sound waves to visualize a breast lump. It is the same procedure used on pregnant women to see the baby.
Q. Is the mammogram equipment used on the van as good as that in hospital?
A. The mammogram machines used on the mobile van are the same as the hospital uses. The hospital radiologists also read the mobile mammograms the same way as those done in the building.
Q. I know I don't need to see a breast surgeon because my gynecologist just did my breast exam and it was normal. But I do need a mammogram. How do I arrange that?
A. Mammograms are done on a walk-in basis in Outpatient Radiology (Suite 250 South), or scheduled on the Mobile Mammography van. Call 314-205-6911 to reach Outpatient Radiology, or 314-205-6565 to make an appointment on the mobile van.
Q. When should I have my first mammogram, and how often after that?
A. The Breast Care Center follows the mammogram guidelines of the American Cancer Society. Your first, or baseline mammogram should be done between ages 35-39, and then yearly starting at age 40. Guidelines for women at high risk vary, so talk to your healthcare provider.
Q. I had my mammograms somewhere else last year. Do I need to bring those films and report to St. Luke's for my mammogram this year?
A. Yes. The radiologists, the doctors who read the mammograms, use the previous year's mammogram films to see what if any changes have occurred in this year's mammogram. Getting your films from an outside facility and bringing them with you speeds up the process, so you get your results sooner.
Q. On my insurance explanation of benefits, some group called Diagnostic Imaging was paid for part of my mammogram. Who is that?
A. Diagnostic Imaging is the group of radiologists who read your mammogram and sonogram. They are separate from the hospital.
Q. Who do I call for mammogram billing questions?
A. For the hospital charges associated with performing the mammogram, call Patient Financial Services at 314-576-8100, or toll free at 1-888-924-9200. Diagnostic Imaging billing questions can be addressed by calling toll free 1-800-775-9195.
Q. Will my insurance pay for my mammogram?
A. Most insurance companies cover a yearly mammogram as part of a well-woman plan, but each policy is different. Check with your insurance company directly to find out specifically for your plan.
Q. What is the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms?
A. A screening mammogram is two views of each breast, and is normally done for women who are not currently having any problems. A diagnostic mammogram is three views of each breast. It is usually performed on women with a symptomatic problem, those being closely monitored, or a woman with breast implants.
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