Mammography
We provide 3D Mammography at Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital. Digital breast tomosynthesis (tomo), also known as 3D mammography, is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast-imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds.
Our radiologists and mammography staff along with the American College of Radiology (ACR), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) believe that every woman between the ages of 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years performed by a physician or a specially trained nurse or technologist. A woman should receive her first mammogram, called a baseline, sometime between the ages of 35 and 40. Beginning at age 40, we believe that a woman should have a yearly mammogram, in addition to an annual clinical breast exam, and monthly breast self-examinations.
If you have breast implants and did not notify scheduling at the time you made the appointment, call them at 315-787-4555 or 315-531-2555 and inform them of this important information. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Women’s Health Services department in Geneva at 315-787-4400, and at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital at 315-531-2544.
If you need to change your appointment,
Call Scheduling Services at
315-787-4555 or 315-531-2555
Your Appointment:
Your appointment has been scheduled to the last for 20 minutes. If additional tests are recommended to complete your mammogram study, every effort will be made to accommodate you receiving the needed study as quickly as possible. You will receive a written letter that indicates the result of your mammogram.
Preparation for your exam:
•Please shower the day of your exam. Do NOT use any deodorant, powder, cream or spray of any kind the day of your exam.
•To minimize the discomfort that some women experience, avoid scheduling your exam for the week before your period, when your breasts are most tender.
•Wear a two-piece outfit to your appointment so you will only have to remove your top.
•Please bring a written order from your ordering provider to your appointment.
Insurance Coverage:
If you are 65 years old or older, Medicare will pay for one screening mammogram every year.
Your individual insurance policy determines what percentage of the mammogram fee will be covered (paid for). You may want to call your insurance company and ask how much of the charge they will pay. If they only pay a portion of the charge, you will be responsible for the unpaid balance.
If you have no insurance or have little insurance, we urge you to call the Cancer Screening Program at 315-462-0602 prior to your exam. They may be able to assist you with payment for mammography.
Additional Comments:
Although mammography is still the single best method available today to detect breast cancer, it is not perfect. Approximately 15% of abnormalities require extra tests for detection.
If you or your doctor have found a new lump that did not disappear after you stopped caffeine, or if an old lump or thickening is getting larger, PLEASE notify us at the time of your appointment.