Mammography

Breast imaging can help to detect cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s easier to treat. Learn more about breast imaging and breast health.

Breast imaging in Waco

Care teams at Ascension Providence in Waco, Texas, provide mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer

Why choose Ascension Providence for breast imaging care

Getting regular breast health screenings may help find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. At Ascension Providence, we provide convenient access to mammograms and breast imaging services, with care teams focused on your comfort and follow-up care.

Comprehensive breast imaging options in Waco

By getting to know your health history and risk factors, we recommend the breast screening approach that’s right for you. From simple screening mammograms to advanced 3D mammograms, your doctor may recommend these types of breast imaging:

Screening mammogram
Diagnostic mammogram
Digital 3D mammogram*
Breast ultrasound
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

*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'll be responsible for any of the costs.

How to schedule a mammogram

To schedule a mammogram, you’ll need the following: email address, health insurance, referring doctor (if you don’t have one, simply leave the section blank) and your basic health information.

A referral is not required for a screening mammogram.

Select "Schedule a mammogram" below. Next, choose your appointment based on “Soonest available” or “Closest to me,” then confirm the location.

Select “Screening” as your appointment type. Use the arrows to browse available dates or select the next available date.

Answer a few questions about your health, then complete the “Patient and Visit Information” form. Upon pressing “Submit,” you’ll be registered and will receive an appointment confirmation.

You can also schedule a mammogram by calling 254-235-3535.

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM

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 will 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 Providence — 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.

Yes. Many women choose to schedule their bone density (DEXA) screening on the same day as their mammogram for convenience. Talk to your doctor to see if a bone density scan is right for you and if it can be coordinated with your mammogram appointment.

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.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.