For Patients

When you enter The Breast Center for a screening mammogram, you’ll be greeted by a member of our staff who will check you in and may ask you to complete a medical questionnaire. After that, you’ll be escorted to a private changing area, then to the screening room.

The technologist doing the screening will review your medical history and ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing related to your breasts. After that, the screening will begin. Routine mammograms take about 45 minutes. Your results will be mailed to you and your physician within a week.

Women coming to The Breast Center for diagnostic tests will have an experience similar to what’s described above, but the procedure also may include an ultrasound and will last at least two hours. The breast imaging specialist will review your images with you that day. Your physician will receive a written report.

What to Bring

When you come for an imaging appointment, please bring:

• Medical history
• Any images or results from previous mammograms, ultrasounds and/or MRIs conducted at other radiology centers or hospitals
• List of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you're currently taking

Additional Important Information

• Tell us if you are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Let us know if you have breast implants.
• If you've had a breast biopsy, please tell us where and when.
• To minimize your discomfort, schedule your exam at least three days after the end of your period, when your breasts are less tender.
• On the day of your appointment, do not wear powders, perfumes, deodorant or lotions on your upper body or underarm areas.

After checking in at the front desk, a technologist will escort you to the exam room, review your medical history, ask some additional questions and explain the procedure. During the DEXA scan, you’ll either lie down or sit in a chair depending on whether your hip, spine or wrist is being scanned. The scan will take about 30 minutes. You may leave immediately after the test. Your physician will receive the results.

What to Bring

When you come for a DEXA scan appointment, please bring:

• Your prescription and referral, if needed, from your physician
• Your health insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Medical history
• List of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you're currently taking

Additional Important Information

• Tell us if you are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Don't take any calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan. You may take Fosamax and multivitamins.
• Don't take any calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan. You may take Fosamax and multivitamins.

Prior to your appointment, please download the Genetic New Patient forms. Please bring those completed forms with you. On the day of the appointment, you may eat and drink as usual and take all medications as prescribed.

After checking in at the front desk, you’ll speak to the counselor in a private room. Much of this conversation will center on your family’s health history, so please bring as much detail as possible. Depending on your risk factors, the counselor may recommend a genetic test, which involves a simple blood draw. You may want to wear a shirt with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.

The specimen will be sent to an independent laboratory that will deal directly with your insurance company. You’ll be notified of any costs that are your responsibility. You may decide to cancel the test or proceed to pay your portion of the costs. If you decide to proceed, you’ll receive the results of the test and recommendations based on the findings. Consultation times may vary, but you should allow at least 90 minutes. If you prefer, you may bring a family member or friend with you for support.

What to Bring

When you come for a genetic counseling or testing appointment, please bring:

• A referral, if needed, from your physician
• Your health insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Genetic New patient forms (please complete prior to arrival)
• Detailed family health history
• List of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you're currently taking

Prior to your appointment, please download the Surgical New Patient forms. Please bring those completed forms with you. On the day of the appointment, you may eat and drink as usual and take all medications as prescribed.

After checking in at the front desk, you'll be escorted to speak to the surgeon in a private room. Much of this conversation will center on your and your family’s health history, so please bring as much detail as possible. You'll discuss all of the surgical options available to you, including benefits and possible risk factors. Consultation times may vary, but you should allow for at least 90 minutes. We recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you for support.

What to Bring

When you come for a surgical consultation, please bring:

• A referral, if needed, from your physician
• Your health insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Surgical New patient forms (please complete prior to arrival)
• Detailed personal and family health history
• List of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you're currently taking

Additional Important Information

On the day of your appointment, please don't wear any perfumes, powders, colognes or scented lotions.