Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
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Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Personalized breast screening in Illinois
Care teams at Ascension Illinois in the greater Chicagoland area provide mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer.
Mammograms in Chicagoland
Ascension Illinois in the greater Chicagoland area provides mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer
About mammograms at Ascension Illinois
Getting regular breast health screenings may help find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Schedule your mammogram today at Ascension Illinois. Early detection can make a difference.
If you're 40 or older, a breast screening should be part of your annual wellness visit. Women with a family history or an increased risk of breast cancer may be asked to get screened at an earlier age. Ascension Illinois offers comprehensive, dedicated high-risk breast cancer clinics and genetic counseling services to help you and your doctor better understand your breast health.
Comprehensive breast imaging options
By getting to know you and your health history, we can recommend the breast screening that’s right for you. From simple screening mammograms to advanced 3D mammograms,our screening options include:
- Screening mammograms
- Diagnostic mammograms
- Digital 3D mammograms*
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
*A 3D mammogram may require an additional fee if your insurance carrier does not cover the full cost. Please check with your carrier to determine if you will be responsible for any of the costs.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral for a screening mammogram. You should check with your insurance carrier for questions about coverage for screenings without a doctor’s referral.
Oncology
How to schedule a mammogram
There are two ways to schedule a mammogram at Ascension Illinois:
- Select a mammogram location near you and call the office to schedule an appointment.
- To schedule a mammogram in Northwest suburbs use the Ascension Illinois appointment request form. Select “Book an Appointment,” then select “Screening Mammogram.” We’ll respond to your request by the end of the following business day.
- To schedule a mammogram in Chicago call: 773-665-3060
If you don’t have a referring doctor, leave that section blank.
A referral is not required for a screening mammogram. Appointment details and confirmation will be sent to the email or phone number you provide.
SCHEDULE A MAMMO ONLINE (Only for the Northwest suburbs)
Frequently asked questions about our breast cancer care services
A mammogram is an X-ray exam of your breast. A mammogram can help find problems with your breasts, such as cysts or cancer.
Start a conversation with your doctor to find out when you should begin having yearly breast screenings. We recommend women get a mammogram every year, beginning at age 40. You may need to have a mammogram sooner if you have risk factors or a family history of breast cancer. Most insurance providers cover a mammogram each year. Check with your insurance provider for more details on your coverage.
You’ll need to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. The technologist will position your breast to get the clearest test results. Then, each of your breasts will be compressed one at a time. This helps get the most complete X-ray image. Your breasts will be repositioned to get at least two separate views of each breast.
Your time is important, so we make getting a mammogram as convenient as possible. The entire procedure is about 20 minutes. But, the actual breast compression only takes a few seconds for each breast.
You may find the pressure of the plates on your breasts to be uncomfortable. Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually one week after your menstrual period. If you do have discomfort or pain, ask your technologist to reposition you to try to make it as painless as possible. Remember that each X-ray takes just a few moments and could help save your life.
Do not use deodorant, powder or lotions on the day of your mammogram. We also recommended wearing a top that is easy to remove, since you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
After your mammogram, a radiologist will read your mammogram and send a report to your doctor. You typically get your results around one week after your mammogram.
Just because something abnormal is found during your mammogram does not always mean there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms or tests done. You may also be referred to a breast care specialist or a surgeon at Ascension Illinois — this doesn’t mean you have cancer or need surgery. These doctors specialize in diagnosing breast problems. By doing follow-up tests, we may diagnose breast cancer or find there is no cancer.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care team can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Illinois cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Are you looking for a new doctor?
At Ascension Illinois, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you may have about mammograms and other screenings you may need. If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists that are right for you. We take the time to explain your procedures and walk you through every step.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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