1. How long will it take? If you have completed all the paperwork prior to arriving for your scheduled appointment, you should be going back to work in about 15 minutes.
2. Do I need an order from my doctor? No. Screening or routine mammograms do not require a physician’s order.
3. At what age can I have a mammogram [new info 2023]? Please note: There are no longer any age restrictions when receiving a routine mammogram. On September 23, 2022, Ohio House Bill 371, or the “The Breast Cancer Bill,” was signed into law. This requires insurers to provide coverage for a yearly mammogram to all women regardless of age or risk factor. Individuals can now obtain an annual mammogram screening with no age restrictions.
4. Is a mobile mammogram as good as a “regular” mammogram? In Ohio, all mammography centers, including mobile facilities must be accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and in compliance with Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The standards for mobile units require more quality assurance testing than hospital-based units. Our equipment, our employee qualifications, and our quality assurance records are inspected annually by an independent medical physicist and an MQSA inspector. Our most recent inspection was free of violations.
5. How do you compare this year’s images to last year’s images if I had them done at another facility? The medical release form that you sign allows us to request your most recent images from any facility. This is standard medical practice. Once we receive the images, our radiologist will do a comparative review of this year’s images against your last mammogram.
6. Will my Doctor receive a report? Yes. Once your images have been read and compared to your previous images (if they are available), we send our radiologist’s interpretation directly to the physician you have identified on your patient information form. In addition, YOU will also receive a report from our radiologist.
7. What if I have not seen a physician recently? We will still provide your mammogram, however, in the event of an abnormal finding you should contact a physician for any potential follow-up care. This is important to assure that you get appropriate medical care.
8. Are the results kept private? Yes! HIPAA Law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires all healthcare providers to guarantee privacy in accessing patient records. Therefore, the medical release form that we ask you to sign specifically gives WOMEN’S DIAGNOSTIC CENTER permission to obtain information from other healthcare providers as it pertains to your mammogram and breast health such as: obtaining previous images, providing our images to your physician. It does NOT allow us to share private information with your employer.
9. What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram? A screening mammogram is usually provided once a year and is considered a preventative health service. A diagnostic mammogram may be required when a screening or physician exam suggests follow-up care and/or additional images. A radiologist will be able to order additional views and/or an ultrasound, if needed, at the time of your diagnostic mammogram.
10. Can you bill the insurance company directly? Yes we will bill your insurance company directly. However, depending upon whether your employer offers a self-funded or insurance plan, we will follow the billing instructions we are given. Women’s Diagnostic Center will work directly with you and your employer to ensure a smooth process.
11. Will the on-site company coordinator receive support in planning the mammography event? Absolutely! Women’s Diagnostic Center and our entire mobile team “partners” with your coordinator to help create a successful mammogram event for everyone. We provide your on-site coordinator with communication documents as well as information on the options for advance scheduling that works with your organization. Most importantly, we customize our program to fit your needs.
