Home
> Women's Imaging
> Frequently Asked Questions
Women's Imaging: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Insurance information
- Previous mammograms/ultrasound exams and reports from outside facilities if this is your first visit to our Center
- Prescription or referral from your physician/clinician
- Medical history
- Cash to utilize parking or valet services
Why do I need a doctor's order?
For any diagnostic imaging study (diagnostic mammography, ultrasound or MRI exam) or interventional procedure (image-guided biopsy) a physician referral is required because by law the radiologist is not permitted to “self-refer” patients for these examinations. The radiologist is a physician consultant to the patient and the referring physician/clinician.
A written referral is a means for your doctor to communicate to the radiologist what the specific issues should be addressed by the imaging study. It also assures to us that there is a physician coordinating the patient’s care who will be responsible for guiding the patient through treatment if a diagnosis of breast cancer is made. Many insurance plans also may require a physician referral and/or pre-authorization for these studies.
While screening mammography does not by law require a physician referral, we do not routinely offer self-referred screening mammography exams at our facility. This decision has been made in order to guarantee that we have a physician to receive the patient’s mammogram report and act on the findings if intervention/treatment is required.
What is the difference between a physician's order and a referral
for a mammogram?
Some insurance companies require a referral for reimbursement but all mammograms
require a written order from your doctor.
How do I get to Women's Imaging?
See Driving
Directions to The Weinberg Center. We are located on the
5th floor of The Weinberg Center
at
Mercy.
Where should I park?
See Parking
Information
Does The Center for Women's Imaging accept my insurance?
Please call your insurance provider to confirm that The Center for Women's Imaging at Mercy
participates with your plan.
Can I have a mammogram without insurance?
Yes, but you must bring an initial deposit and the Center will
set up a payment plan for you.
Why is it important to bring my
previous mammogram films to
my appointment?
The physician reading your mammogram films is looking for tiny
abnormalities in your breasts that are unique to you. It
is extremely helpful to be able to compare films for changes
in
your
breasts over
time. Without the previous films, you may
be asked to come back for additional views, causing undue stress
and
delays in providing
treatment.
Why do I need to update my health history every year?
It is important for the physician to be aware of any changes and additions to
your health history since your last mammogram.
These changes
can sometimes affect your diagnosis.
Can I coordinate my mammogram appointment with other
appointments in The Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine?
Yes, the staff of The Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine works very
hard to coordinate appointments for you. Please call as soon as possible
so we can accommodate your needs.
Why can't I have the results of my screening mammogram immediately
following my appointment?
Allowing the radiologist to take the time he/she needs to read
your screening mammogram films supports an accurate diagnosis.
What other amenities are available for my use while at The Center for Women's
Imaging?
The Mercy Mission is the excellent care of the whole person. In that spirit,
The Weinberg Center offers a variety of services to our patients.
Click on the links below for more details.
Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.
Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9102
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy
(1-800-636-3729)
|
