Where to Get a Mammogram

Page last modified on: July 11, 2008

Personal Quote

"When I get my own mammogram, I need to know my results right away. I selected my mammography center based on its medical reputation for quality and its commitment to immediate communication of results."

—Marisa Weiss, M.D., as patient



"I don't wait. I used to be such a good girl: ‘Yes sir, no sir,’ I'd spend a week in agony. I finally became assertive enough to get what I wanted. I had this mammogram, and my doctor says to me, ‘We'll tell you as soon as the results come in.’ ‘No, now. I'm not leaving. I don't need to wait for a written report.’ And he looks, and he tells me the results!"

—Linda

RadiatReceptn

Quality is critical. You should have mammography only at a facility accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR guidelines set standards for doctors who read the films, for technicians, for reports, for mammography machines, and for film-developing materials. Accreditation by the ACR means that the radiologists and technicians are specially trained and certified in mammography, and that the equipment meets standards and is inspected regularly.

You'll probably have many different options in choosing where to get a mammogram. Today, mobile units, freestanding centers, and traditional hospital settings are all options. Choose an accredited center based on the reputation of the radiologists and the quality of the equipment-the location should be secondary. Newer equipment, rather than where an accredited center is located, is what counts. Contact the National Cancer Institute (800-4-CANCER) or the American College of Radiology (800-227-5463) to find your nearest certified mammography provider.

You may want to look for a facility that can do ultrasound or other imaging procedures the same day if it's necessary to get a more precise look.

Here are questions you should ask about a mammography facility:

  • How many mammograms are performed here each day?

    Some diagnostic centers do all kinds of X-rays and spend only a small part of their time performing and interpreting mammograms. A center that reads 15 or more mammograms a day may be able to provide a more reliable reading than one that sees less than 15.
  • Will my mammogram be reviewed by more than one radiologist?

    When more than one experienced radiologist reads your film—for example, if your films are "double-read" by two—then the final report will be more reliable.
  • Will the radiologist talk with me right after my films are reviewed?
  • Can I take the films with me immediately after the study to show to my doctor? If not, how soon can I pick up my films?
  • Will the center send a copy of the official mammogram report to me directly? To all of my doctors? (Is there a limit?)
  • Does the center accept my health insurance?
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