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Ultrasound tests use sound waves to create images of the internal organs. Breast ultrasounds are frequently ordered to evaluate new breast masses, cysts, nodules or suspicious findings on a mammogram. They can also be used to follow up unusual mammographic findings that are not clearly cancerous over time or help in breast tissue biopsies.

In the breast ultrasound picture to the right, the breast tissue is the gray speckled tissue around the black "hole". The "hole" is a cyst filled with fluid.

Many breast ultrasound exams are ordered during or after a mammogram. On occasion, when a mammogram does not show a lump that you or your doctor felt, ultrasound is used to further examine the tissue.

Your doctor's order may read "r/o nodule", "r/o tumor" or "follow up mammogram", for example.

(FYI "r/o" stands for rule out)

Remember if you are going for a breast ultrasound be sure to bring your mammogram films (most recent and previous) with reports if you had these done at a different facility.

Below are some common uses for breast ultrasounds.

• Examine new nodules felt during a physical exam
• Evaluate for suddenly growing nodules of the breast
  
• Evaluate suspicious findings on a mammogram such as a nodule, mass or scarring
• Follow up nodules or cysts that are not clearly cancerous
• Use ultrasound to help guide a biopsy of a breast mass or drain a cyst

Below is a brief outline of the procedure.

1. After you sign in to the Radiology office, you'll be taken to the ultrasound room.  Be sure to have your mammogram with you if it was done at a different facility.
2. An ultrasound technician will perform the test.
3. The technologist will ask you to remove your shirt, bra and change into a gown.
4. Once the technologist returns, you will lie down on a bed/gurney.
5. He or she will place a a warmed gel solution over the skin of your breast.
6. The technologist will use an ultrasound probe and glide it over the breast and take pictures.
7. The technologist may ask the Radiologist doctor to review the scan before you leave.
8. An official report is generated by the Radiologist in about 24-48 hours.

If you are insured breast ultrasounds are covered. However, for uninsured patients these tests can be quite expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $300 for this test.

Have you had a breast ultrasound? What was it like? Please leave your comments below:

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We recently received HON certification after satisfying all of the requirements of the HON code of ethics and principles. We're excited to announce our achievement and will display the HON code throughout our site. Of course, we won't stop here. We'll continue to look hard at our site and look for ways to grow your trust and confidence in us and make shopping for Radiology tests such as MRI scans, CT scans, Ultrasounds, X-rays easy and safe.

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We're adding nearly 600 additional Radiology centers throughout the U.S to our site over the next few weeks. It is a monumental task so please pardon our mess as we upgrade and clean up bugs!

You'll be able to shop and buy your Radiology tests from over 1500 imaging facilities. Each Radiology facility is accredited by the ACR, features American Board of Radiology certified Radiologists and has undergone a rigorous selection process.

This post on the cost of Mammogram screening tests is one in a series of posts on helping consumers find real Radiology test prices. You can read other posts here: MRI scan, CT scan, Ultrasound, X-ray, PET scan. 

Getting mammogram costs, what's included?

Trying to get costs of nearly any Radiology test can be challenging. Even when you have the information, it's not always clear what exactly you're paying for. Does the price include the official Radiology report? Do films or a CD of the test cost extra? And what if you need additional images?

Self-pay Mammogram prices can vary widely, even in the same town. Hospitals are generally more expensive and have less favorable cash fee schedules than outpatient imaging centers. Hospitals are also less likely to negotiate prices with you. Keep in mind though that there are fewer outpatient centers that now offer Mammogram tests so you may find in your area you are limited to a few choices and longer wait times. This of course limits competition and keeps prices high.

Prices include images and some callbacks

Screening mammograms usually include 2 views of each breast, though occasionally a few extra views are taken for some women during the initial exam. As the Radiologist reviews the initial set of films, he or she may ask for a "call back" for repeat or additional images. Repeats are done for motion, inadequate positioning, films with poor exposure, and artifacts or dust on the film. These repeat films are not charged extra.

Some call backs for additional images are requested for clarifying a suspicious finding. In this case the views are usually magnified or spot views specific to the area the Radiologist would like to examine more carefully. At times, the call back may include an ultrasound of the breast. These call back films and tests are charged extra.

The Radiology report is included

Mammogram scan costs include the official Radiologist interpretation. This includes comparing to older Mammogram tests even if done at another hospital or imaging center. Your doctor receives a copy of the report.

Mammogram films

On occasion you'll be asked to take films of your Mammogram to your doctor to review. Most of the time you'll probably request copies be sent to another facility for comparison. You should not be charged for this service.

The bottom line...

How much did your mammogram cost? Please leave your comments below: