A mammogram is fast, safe, relatively painless and uses a very low amount of radiation to create images of your breasts. We are equipped with the most advanced breast imaging technology available, including the only 3-Dimensional Tomosynthesis mammography units in the lakeshore area. At Radiology Muskegon, we make getting a mammogram easy for you. Routine screening mammograms do not require an appointment and can be performed with a physician order at one of our outpatient imaging facilities during normal business hours. Routine screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms can be performed at the Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and at Mercy Health Partners hospital locations. Diagnostic breast ultrasounds and breast biopsies are performed at the Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Hospital campus.
Where do I go for a mammography exam?
How do I prepare for a mammography exam?
What are the benefits and risks of a mammography exam?
What will I experience during a mammography exam?
How do I get the results of a mammography exam?
Are the costs of a mammography exam covered by insurance?
What is mammography used for?
Mammography is used to evaluate for disease conditions affecting the breasts. A routine screening mammogram is considered a preventative health exam to evaluate for diseases of the breast and is usually performed on an annual basis for asymptomatic women beginning at age 40.
Where do I go for a mammography exam?
Routine screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms can be performed at the Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and at Mercy Health Partners hospital locations.
How do I prepare for a mammography exam?
Limited preparation is required. Loose fitting clothing is recommended. Patients may be asked to change into a gown provided by the imaging facility, remove jewelry or empty pockets prior to the exam.
What are the benefits and risks of a mammography exam?
The benefits of screening mammography have been widely established and acknowledged by health care professionals. Annual screening mammography has been proven to reduce patient morbidity and mortality related to breast cancer. Mammography is the main diagnostic tool for detection of breast disease and is vital to detecting disease processes of the breast early in their course. Mammography uses a very small amount of ionizing radiation to create images so its risk to your health is very low.
What will I experience during a mammography exam?
The breast(s) must be placed in gentle compression by the mammography unit during acquisition of the images which can occasionally cause mild discomfort. The exam usually requires the patient to be standing motionless for a few seconds at a time, although the entire exam is fast. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
How do I get the results of a mammography exam?
Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review by the requesting physician through the secure Mercy Health Partners patient portal system and the results become part of the patient’s permanent medical record. The referring physician and patient will be notified if follow-up imaging is required in addition to the screening mammogram. Patients can request a copy of their images at the performing imaging facility.
Are the costs of a mammography exam covered by insurance?
Mammography exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of most mammography exams are low. At Radiology Muskegon, we strive to reduce unnecessary costs incurred by patients. There are options available to patients for financial assistance or reduced payment plan options if patients are not able to pay the costs of imaging.