Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Krystal Smith, D.O.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN HAVING SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS?
A: The American College of Radiology recommends women begin having annual screening mammograms at age 40. Some women, who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to such things as a family history of breast cancer, may need to begin sooner than age 40.
Q: HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY YEARLY SCREENING MAMMOGRAM?
A: On the day of your screening mammogram do not use deodorant, powder or lotions. These substances can mimic the appearance of cancer and require the study to be repeated. You should wear a 2-piece outfit so you will only need to remove your top. Our technician will give you a robe to wear. If you have tender breasts, it may be helpful to schedule one week after your menstrual period.
Q: IS MY YEARLY SCREENING MAMMOGRAM COVERED BY INSURANCE, MEDICARE?
A: Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will pay for a yearly screening mammogram for women over 40 years of age as part of the insured individual’s wellness program.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PERFORM MY YEARLY SCREENING MAMMOGRAM?
A: From check- in to check-out, the process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Q: DO I NEED AN ORDER FROM MY DOCTOR OR NURSE PRACTITIONER TO SCHEDULE MY YEARLY SCREENING MAMMOGRAM?
A: You do not need an order to schedule your yearly screening mammogram. In the state of Florida, women age 40 or older can schedule their annual screening mammogram without an order.
Q: IS A MAMMOGRAM UNCOMFORTABLE?
A: The Breast Center of Naples is proud to offer the SmartCurve system by Hologic. The SmartCurve system provides a curved compression surface that offers a more comfortable patient experience without compromising image quality, exam time, dose or workflow. Clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram, the SmartCurve system improves comfort in 93% of patients who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression. Additionally, 95% of patients surveyed would recommend facilities that use a SmartCurve system.
Q: WHAT PATIENTS ARE OFFERED SCREENING ULTRASOUND?
A: Women who are categorized on their mammogram as Category C (Heterogeneously Dense Breast Tissue) or Category D (Extremely Dense Breast Tissue) will be offered screening breast ultrasound in addition to their screening mammogram. This is not a substitute for a screening mammogram, but a supplement to help in the detection of breast cancer.
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SCREENING AND A DIAGNOSTIC EXAM?
A: A screening mammogram (and screening ultrasound if applicable) is performed when there are no breast symptoms/problems. Diagnostic exams are performed if a woman is recalled for additional imaging for an abnormality on her screening mammogram or if she has breast symptoms/problems. Diagnostic examinations are also performed if a man presents with a breast symptom/problem.
Q: AT WHAT AGE DO I STOP HAVING SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS?
A: Yearly screening mammograms may continue as long as you are healthy. There is no specific age at which to stop having screening mammograms.
WE ARE THE BREAST CENTER OF NAPLES
Here at Breast Center of Naples, breast imaging is all we do! Dr. Smith and her specialized staff have dedicated their lives to caring for women and the early detection of breast cancer. In contrast to other imaging centers, your care will solely be provided by fellowship trained breast radiologists and a team of specialized technologists and sonographers. Not only do we offer this specialized care, we do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier County. Our luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits you where you are treated like family as soon as you enter the office. When you first arrive, you will experience our beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for your imaging, you will be taken to our calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for your exam.
We have only state of the art equipment which includes Hologic 3D Mammography, GE ultrasound, and Hologic bone density. We offer the area’s only true screening ultrasound program for patients with dense breast tissue. Please call us today at (239) 238-1210 to schedule your annual screening mammogram. We are located in the Kraft Center at 3555 Kraft Road, Suite 350.
Contact The Breast Center of Naples Today.
239-238-1210
Breastcenterofnaples.com
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105
KRYSTAL SMITH, D.O.
Krystal Smith, D.O. is a board certified Diagnostic Radiologist with specialty fellowship training in Breast Imaging.
She is the founder of the Breast Center of Naples and has dedicated her career to women’s health, patient-centered care, and the early detection of breast cancer.
