Mammography
Frequently Asked Questions

Information regarding common topics is provided here for your convenience.

When should I start getting mammograms? How does a Mammogram work? Does a Mammogram hurt? How long will it take for my test results to come back? What if I had a previous mammogram at another hospital, can I still come to Baptist? How often should I get a mammogram? I don't have insurance; can I still get a mammogram? Will my insurance cover my mammogram? My mother had breast cancer; does that mean that I need a diagnostic mammogram? I have implants; can I still get a mammogram? What's the difference between a diagnostic and a screening mammogram?

I felt a lump during my self exam, what do I do now? How do I request an appointment online? What computer hardware/software is required to request an appointment online? Is there a fee for using this online appointment service? What if I need help scheduling an appointment? Is this site secure? How do I cancel/reschedule an appointment? How long until I receive my appointment date and time? What if I do not get a response? Why can't I schedule my diagnostic mammograms? Why is my Social Security number necessary?

Q. When should I start getting mammograms?
A. Women should begin getting regular screening mammograms at age 40 unless there is a significant family history of breast cancer (mother or sister was diagnosed before their 40th birthday). For women with this type of history, it is recommended to begin screening mammograms 10 years prior to the family member's initial diagnosis.

Q. How does a Mammogram work?
A. A mammogram takes pictures of your breast tissue to determine the structure of the tissue.

Q. Does a Mammogram hurt?
A. Some women find the pressure of the plates on their breasts to be uncomfortable or even somewhat painful. Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In pre-menopausal women, this is usually one week after your menstrual period. If you do experience discomfort or pain, remember that each x-ray takes just a few moments and could save your life.

Q. How long will it take for my test results to come back?
A. Most results of the mammogram are returned to the physician in 7-10 business days.

Q. What if I had a previous mammogram at another hospital, can I still come to Baptist?
A. You may still come to Baptist Health for your mammogram even if you have had one in another facility. If your previous mammogram was elsewhere, we will ask you to bring your films from your previous mammogram with you so the radiologist can compare your previous results to your current results.

Q. How often should I get a mammogram?
A. Mammograms are recommended once a year for women over 40 unless your physician recommends more frequent screenings.

Q. I don't have insurance; can I still get a mammogram?
A. There are several options if you do not have insurance and still wish to receive a mammogram. Baptist Health offers a reduced self pay rate payable at the time of service, for low income individuals; there are also several community agencies that will assist in the payment of your mammogram.

Q. Will my insurance cover my mammogram?
A. Most insurance plans do cover screening mammograms for women over 40 once a year and high risk women under 40.
However, you should contact your insurance company directly to find out the terms of your coverage. Their phone number is usually located on your health insurance card.

Q. My mother had breast cancer; does that mean that I need a diagnostic mammogram?
A. A screening mammogram is the most effective tool available to physicians in detecting breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms of cancer appear. Family history does not require you to have a diagnostic mammogram.

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Q. I have implants; can I still get a mammogram?
A. Yes. Your screening mammogram appointment will be approximately 15 minutes longer because additional views will be required.

Q. What's the difference between a diagnostic and a screening mammogram?
A. A Screening mammogram consists of a routine 4 view study for women without a new breast lump or breast pain. With a diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist will request and review additional images of the breast to focus on areas of pain or concern.

Q. I felt a lump during my self exam, what do I do now?
A. Contact your physician if you feel that you have an area of concern. He/she will recommend the best course of action based on you age and family history.

Q. How do I request an appointment online?
A. Fill out and submit the Request an Appointment form on this website.

Be sure to include when and where you would like your appointment and your contact information. The information is sent via a secure email to the scheduling department who will process your request and contact you with your appointment date, time and location within 24 hours of you submitting your request.

Q. What computer hardware/software is required to request an appointment online?
A. No additional hardware or software is required to utilize this site.

Q. Is there a fee for using this service?
A. No. This site is offered by Baptist Health free of charge to assist in the convenience of scheduling your mammograms and bone density studies.

Q. What if I need help scheduling an appointment?
A. You may email us at mammography.appointment@bmcjax.com or call us at 904.202.2222, select option 2 then option 1.

Q. Is this site secure?
A. Yes, all information on this site is secure and will remain confidential.

Q. How do I cancel/reschedule an appointment?
A. You may email us at mammography.appointment@bmcjax.com or call us at 904.202.2222, select option 2 then option 1. You can also notify us via an online form.

Q. How long until I receive my appointment date and time?
A. You will receive a response within one business day.

Q. What if I do not get a response?
A. Call us at 904.202.2222 option 2 then option 1.

Q. Why can't I schedule my diagnostic mammograms online?
A. Diagnostic mammograms need to be scheduled directly with the mammography department to ensure timely scheduling and correct orders. Please call 904.202.2222 to schedule a diagnostic mammogram.

Q. Why is my Social Security Number necessary?
A. Baptist Health uses your Social Security Number for identification so your personal health information remains private and your records are safely assigned to you.

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