Diagnostic Mammography

When a screening mammogram reveals an area of concern or a change from a previous mammogram, patients may require further evaluation. At CVMC, approximately 10% of patients are called back for additional imaging.

This “diagnostic” imaging is also used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings - such as a breast lump or lumps - that have been found by the patient or provider.

Most often these abnormalities are found to be normal breast tissue or benign (non-cancerous) tissue.

There are two types of diagnostic breast imaging procedures available at CVMC:

• Mammography
  For some women, additional mammographic images are all that are needed.
• Ultrasound Imaging
  Other women may require ultrasound imaging, which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the breast.

Your Results

Immediately after your diagnostic imaging, a radiologist—a physician specifically trained to interpret radiology examinations—will analyze the images and then you will receive your results at the end of your exam. 

Insurance

These additional images will be considered diagnostic exams and not part of your screening mammogram. If there are any concerns about whether or not your insurance will cover a diagnostic study you should call your insurance company. Please feel free to call Patient Financial Services at 371-4392 or Theresa Lever, Patient Navigator, at 225-5449 if you have any concerns about paying for these exams.