Select the best time at your preferred medical center. Choose Schedule appointment to finalize your scheduled appointment. Before scheduling, confirm that your doctor has submitted an order for a screening mammogram or ultrasound by logging in to your profile at kp.org.
Where can I get a mammogram at Kaiser Permanente?
Mammograms are available at six Kaiser Permanente clinics in Western Washington, and in other areas at breast imaging centers in our network of contracted providers. If you are 40 or older, you don't need a referral to make a mammogram appointment. You may get a letter or call from Kaiser Permanente reminding you to make an appointment.
How do I schedule a screening mammogram or ultrasound appointment?
Scheduling your appointment is just a few easy steps on kp.org: Once you receive an order from your doctor for a screening mammogram or ultrasound, log onto kp.org (you must be a registered kp.org user).
Do I need a referral to make a mammogram appointment?
If you are 40 or older, you don't need a referral to make a mammogram appointment. You may get a letter or call from Kaiser Permanente reminding you to make an appointment. If you have concerns about any breast lumps or changes, contact your personal physician immediately.
Where can I get a mammogram in Washington State?
Mammogram Locations Mammograms are available at six Kaiser Permanente clinics in Western Washington, and in other areas at breast imaging centers in our network of contracted providers. If you are 40 or older, you don't need a referral to make a mammogram appointment.
Can you schedule yourself a mammogram?
“You need a doctor or doctor's order to schedule this exam.” If you already have a doctor and the mammography facility requires a doctor's order, be sure and let you doctor know that you need to schedule a mammogram, as well as any unusual breast symptoms that you are experiencing.
How do I request a mammogram?
Talk to a GP if you notice any changes in your chest tissue or symptoms of breast cancer. If you think you should have breast screening, but you are not invited automatically, talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
Do I need a referral for a mammogram in California?
A screening mammogram is done if you have no symptoms of breast disease. It is the best way to find breast cancer early. By law, you do not need a prescription or referral if you meet the age guidelines.
When should a mammogram be scheduled?
Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
Where can I get a mammogram without a referral near me?
If you need to get screened for breast cancer and you don't have a doctor, try calling a local hospital, medical clinic, or woman's clinic. You can also call your local health department or a facility that does mammograms.
What should I avoid before mammogram?
Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion.
Do I need doctor prescription for mammogram?
Do I need a doctor's prescription for Mammography? It is not mandatory to have doctor's prescription for Mammogram. However it is important to consult the doctor prior to the mammogram. The specialist (surgeon/oncologist) can perform clinical breast examination before recommending mammography.
How long does Kaiser take to give mammogram results?
Results. Mammogram results are usually ready within 10 days. In some cases, you may be asked to come back for another test to get an extra view of an area in question.
How much does a mammogram cost in California?
Mammogram costs in California between $200 - $1483 based on analysis of 32 medical providers who perform Mammograms in California. Self-pay patients pay as little as $200 while high-deductible patients pay between $226 - $1483 for the Mammogram.
What time of month is best for mammogram?
As the timing of the mammograms affects the results, it is advised to schedule it during the first week of your menstrual cycle. Earlier studies have looked into the fact the timing of the mammograms is very in the first half of the cycle.
What does a breast lump feel like?
What does a breast lump feel like? Breast tissue in and of itself can feel somewhat lumpy and sponge-like, so it can be hard to know if what you're feeling is an actual lump or just normal breast tissue. "A breast lump will feel like a distinct mass that's noticeably more solid than the rest of your breast tissue.
How do I prepare for my first mammogram?
Try to avoid the week just before your period. On the day of the exam, don't apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms, or on or under your breasts. Some of these contain substances that can show up on the x-ray as white spots.
How to prepare for a mammogram?
How To Prepare. If you've had a mammogram before at another clinic , have the results sent or bring them with you to your appointment. On the day of the mammogram, don't use any deodorant. And don't use perfume, powders, or ointments near or on your breasts.
How to do a 3D mammogram?
For a 3-D mammogram, you will also stand, and your breast will be positioned on a flat plate. The top plate is pressed against your breast with just enough pressure to keep the breast in position while the X-ray arm moves in an arc above the breast. Many images are taken in a very short time. A computer is used to combine these images to create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast.
Why do we do mammograms?
Why It Is Done. A mammogram is done to: Look for breast cancer when there are no symptoms. Find breast cancer when there are symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin on one area of the breast.
How long does it take for a mammogram to be ready?
Results. Mammogram results are usually ready within 10 days. In some cases, you may be asked to come back for another test to get an extra view of an area in question. In the United States, facilities that perform mammograms send the results directly to your doctor's office.
What is a digital mammogram?
Digital mammogram. It puts images of the breast into an electronic file. This allows your doctor to see different views of the breast without taking more images.
How long after period can you get a mammogram?
If you have menstrual periods, the procedure is more comfortable when done within 2 weeks after your period has ended.
How long does it take to get a breast test?
A computer is used to combine these images to create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. How long the test takes. The test will take about 10 to 15 minutes. You may be in the clinic for up to an hour.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel and can catch some breast cancers early, when they may be more easily treated.
Why are breast cancer screening rates dropping?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, cancer screening rates have dropped due to stay-at-home orders and concerns about catching the virus. But it’s important to stay up to date on breast cancer screening mammograms. Learn why — and about the precautions Kaiser Permanente is taking to keep you safe.
Does mammography work?
Yes. Multiple studies have shown a reduction in breast cancer deaths ranging from 20% to 40% with mammograms.
Is mammogram important for cancer?
Everything you need to know about mammograms. Breast cancer screening rates have dropped during COVID-19, but doctors say it’s essential to stay up to date. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and the second-leading cause of cancer death. Fortunately, regular mammograms greatly increase the chance ...
Are mammograms safe?
Each time you get a mammogram, you are briefly exposed to a very small amount of radiation, but the benefits of mammography outweigh any possible harm from the radiation exposure. In fact, the dose of radiation used for a screening mammogram of both breasts is roughly equal to the background radiation you’re exposed to just by living in the United States for 7 weeks.
What to do if mammogram shows area of concern?
If a screening mammogram shows an area of concern, a diagnostic mammogram may be ordered. More X-rays are taken from various angles to better visualize the suspicious area of your breast.
How to make an appointment at KP?
For an appointment, call a clinic's radiology/imaging department, or schedule online(to create an account, go to kp.org/wa/register.
Why is it important to flatten your breast during a mammogram?
During a mammogram, the breast is squeezed tightly between two large plates. Flattening the breast in this way helps the radiologist — a specialist who reads these images — see abnormalities. For some women, especially those with smaller breasts, this process can be uncomfortable.
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Is digital mammography better than film mammography?
Kaiser Permanente medical offices also offers digital mammography, which may be better for women who have dense breast tissue, are under the age of 50, or are pre -menopausal. Digital mammography tends to be more sensitive than film-screen mammography, and higher in contrast. In addition, the image can be seen right away, rather than having a piece of film that has to be run through a processor, and the data can be transmitted via computer for immediate consultation. This prompt confirmation of a good image may prevent the need for repeat testing — and increased exposure to radiation.
Is it important to get a mammogram?
If digital mammography is not available, it's important to get a film-screen mammogram. Both are well proven to reduce breast cancer mortality. If a screening mammogram shows an area of concern, a diagnostic mammogram may be ordered. More X-rays are taken from various angles to better visualize the suspicious area of your breast.
Is a mammogram better for women?
The mammogram technician can help position your body in a way that minimizes this brief discomfort. Kaiser Permanente medical offices also offers digital mammography, which may be better for women who have dense breast tissue, are under the age of 50, or are pre- menopausal.
How to get a free mammogram in a hospital?
Call the breast center or the hospital’s main number. Ask to be transferred to the breast center or women’s health center. Once you are transferred, ask who you should speak with about scheduling a free mammogram. If the receptionist doesn’t know, ask to speak to a patient or nurse navigator.
Where Can You Go to Get Your Mammogram?
Mammograms are often performed at the hospital, breast center building or an imaging center . You can also look to see if there is a mobile mammography unit (“mammovan”) that might be coming to a location near your home or work. If you need help getting to your appointment, ask the facility if they have a transportation assistance program and what their guidelines are.
How to obtain mammogram records?
In certain situations, you may be required to obtain your past mammogram records, like images, films or cds, from a previous facility. If so, contact the previous facility where you had your mammogram and ask how you may obtain your prior mammography images and reports. They may ask for the mailing address of your new mammography facility.
How to find a doctor for breast cancer?
If you don’t have a doctor and you are experiencing an abnormal breast symptom, try an internet search phrase like “Find a doctor near Dallas.” Many healthcare systems have online databases that will allow you to easily search for doctors by criteria, such as specialty and zip code. If you don’t have insurance, you may try searching “free and low-cost clinics near Dallas.” A family doctor or gynecologist can examine your breast symptoms and write an order for a diagnostic mammogram. If you are scheduling an appointment with a doctor for the first time, be sure to tell the scheduler that you have an abnormal breast symptom.
What are the barriers to scheduling a mammogram?
Many women encounter barriers when trying to schedule a mammogram. Often, things like concerns with cost or not knowing who to call can be discouraging when setting up an appointment. This article provides the essential information you need so that you do not miss out on this important exam.
Does NBCF offer mammograms?
NBCF partners with hospitals across the country to provide screening and diagnostic mammograms to women who qualify. Learn more about our National Mammography Program and search our list of partner hospitals. If you don’t find a hospital near you, consider looking at other national resources. There are also state and national screening programs that might offer free mammograms if you are already enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare. The National Breast And Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has a directory you can browse by state .
Can a hospital pay for mammograms?
A hospital may have funds or a charity care program where they provide the mammogram for free or at a low cost. Call the hospital near you and ask to speak with a financial counselor who can explain the program and qualification requirements. You can also contact local charities that might pay for the mammogram. Be sure to check first with the organization to see if you qualify and what they will require of you.
How to contact KP4CARE?
Call 1-833-KP4CARE (1-833-574-2273) for medical advice at any time, 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment needed.
Are telephone appointments available?
Adult telephone appointments are available for situations meeting certain criteria.
