Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts. Screening mammograms are routinely done to detect breast abnormalities in women who have no apparent symptoms or signs of breast cancer. Diagnostic mammograms are done if something suspicious is found in an annual screening mammogram or if there may be signs of breast cancer.  

Diagnostic mammograms may or may not be covered by your insurance. You should consult with your insurance company for individual coverage details.  

You can get a screening mammogram at Sauk Prairie Hospital by appointment or at Walk-In Wednesdays without an appointment if: 

• It has been at least 12 months since your last screening mammogram to comply with most insurance requirements. 
• You do not have breast lumps, bumps, pain or nipple discharge. 
• You have not been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years.  

You should contact your provider to see if they want you to have a diagnostic mammogram, if:  

• You feel a lump, bump, or have pain or nipple discharge. 
• You have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years. 

A 3-D mammogram brings an additional set of images to your screening or diagnostic mammogram. It gives a three-dimensional view of the breast, allowing the radiologist to look through thin, sliced images of your breast one at a time instead of looking at one image with all of the information on it. It allows for better accuracy with improved early detection and makes fine details more visible.  

3-D exams are approved for anyone who would undergo a standard mammogram. Multiple clinical studies have shown that all women, regardless of breast type or density, benefit from a 3-D exam. It detects 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40 percent. This means better accuracy.  

3-D mammograms may or may not be covered by your insurance. You should consult your insurance provider for individual coverage details. If your insurance does not cover the exam, you will be billed an additional charge to your screening or diagnostic mammogram for the service. 

Very low doses of radiation are used during both 2-D and 3-D exams. The total patient dose is within FDA safety standards for mammography. 

If something appears to be abnormal on your screening mammogram, you will be contacted to schedule additional imaging. This could include a diagnostic mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound. The radiologist will review these images at the time of your procedure.  

Breast ultrasound is used to determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass. They are also often used to check abnormal results from a mammogram. Breast ultrasounds may or may not be covered by your insurance. You should consult your insurance company for individual coverage details.  

Some things to consider to help the process run smoothly:  

• Avoid wearing a dress. You’ll have to remove your shirt and bra for the exam. 
• Avoid deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder. These can cause interference with the x-ray. 
• It’s best to avoid getting a mammogram during the week before your period.  

Be sure to bring your:  

• Health insurance card. 
• The name of the facility where you had your last mammogram. 
• The name of your primary care doctor. 

Notice: Anyone having an X-ray examination will receive a bill from Sauk Prairie Healthcare, which covers the cost of digital equipment, supplies and technical personnel. They will also receive a bill from Madison Radiologists S.C., which covers the professional fee for radiologist’s interpretation of the X-ray.