Taking the Mystery Out of Mammograms
By Buffalo Medical Group | September 12 2017 | Doctor Tips
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, our team put together a list of questions we’re often asked when it comes to getting a mammogram. Mammograms are an important step in taking care of your health, and we want to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible and the process goes smoothly for you. Here are some things to know before you go:
Who Should Have a Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends beginning mammogram screening at age 40, and once a year thereafter. If you have a personal or family history with breast issues, please consult with your primary care doctor or OBGYN as we may recommend a more frequent screening.
What Can I Expect?
Our all-female staff of technologists will take the appropriate images. A routine study requires four images but more may be necessary to properly image the entire breast for various reasons, such as breast density, body habitus, or clinical history.
We also include complementary comfort pads to sit between the machine and your body for an added level of comfort and warmth. Many others charge additional for this offering, but BMG does not, as a sign of our commitment to patient satisfaction.
The compression of the mammogram itself only lasts approximately 15-20 seconds. Your images will then be read by one of our four radiologists and added to your EMR (electronic medical record) to use for comparison readings in the future.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The whole visit takes approximately 30-45 minutes total, which during normal business hours includes the mammogram, reading of the images and often in-person delivery of results.
How Much Does It Cost?
Mammograms are considered a preventive service, so under many insurance plans, they are covered in full, requiring no out-of-pocket copay. Please consult your specific insurance policy to confirm this.
Can You Accommodate Wheelchairs?
Yes, we can accommodate patients confined to wheelchairs in our mammography department.
How Soon Can You See Me?
In most cases, we can also accommodate same-day appointments, even for non-emergency appointments.
Where Do You Offer Mammograms?
We offer them at two locations: 295 Essjay Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 and 3900 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Generally, radiologists are available to read mammograms from 8-4:30 pm Monday – Friday at both sites. We do offer weekend and evening appointments at the Williamsville office for your scheduling convenience.