Digital Mammography preparation

IMPORTANT NOTICE

  • If you have any prior mammography films, you should bring them with you.
  • If you had mammograms which were not done at any of our centers, or Somerset Medical Center, you should arrange for these films to be sent to us prior to your exam.

 Schedule the test for shortly after the end of menses.  Wear comfortable 2 piece clothing.  On the day of the procedure do not wear jewelry; do not use deodorant, talcum powder or lotion on your upper body.  Flecks of the material can get on the compression plates and interfere with the results.

On the day of your scheduled exam, please be sure to bring your insurance card and identification and signed prescription from your doctor.

Screening  vs. Diagnostic Mammogram

When you choose Associated Radiologists for your imaging study, you can expect the highest level of quality care.  Our doctors and technical staff, and our equipment and imaging techniques, all exceed quality standards set by regulatory agencies such as the American College of Radiology, which publishes guidelines that are used to assure that we are providing you with the most appropriate care in performing your mammogram.

It is these guidelines that define whether your mammogram will be performed as a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram.  A screening mammogram means that you do not have any lumps, areas of pain, nipple discharge, recent breast surgeries, implants, personal history of breast cancer, or follow-up of previous mammograms that have been in a shorter time frame of one year.  If you do have any of these symptoms or histories, your mammogram will be performed as diagnostic. Diagnostic mammograms are done under the direct supervision of one of our radiologists who will determine, at the time of your exam, if any additional views are needed. 

These practice guidelines are for your benefit and assure that you will receive the most appropriate mammogram for your breast health.  Insurance companies will pay at different rates for screening and diagnostic mammograms.  We are pleased to assist you with any billing concerns.  However, we cannot bill a screening mammogram when practice guidelines indicate that the proper study for you is a diagnostic mammogram. 

 

Ask your doctor or call us for more information on any procedure or exam.
To schedule an exam please call our scheduling line at 732-968-5160