Taking care of your breast health is empowering and scheduling a mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take. At Bay Radiology, we’ve designed every aspect of your visit to be comfortable, convenient, and compassionate, so you can focus on what matters most: your health. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your mammogram and feel confident every step of the way.
1. Before Your Visit: Scheduling Made Easy
We understand life is busy, which is why Bay Radiology offers appointments as early as 6:30 AM and as late as 5:00 PM from Monday to Thursday. You can also choose between a few convenient mammogram options:
- “Image and leave” screenings: NO referral needed! Receive benign results via text or email within hours, or a phone call from us always within 1 day if we need to do some additional imaging. Only 10% of patients need to return and if additional imaging or a biopsy is needed, our team schedules follow-ups quickly, often within 1–2 business days, so you’re never left waiting.
- “Online” screenings: Stay for your results while you wait. This can result in a longer appointment. Referral required.
- “Diagnostic” patients with lumps, discharge, etc.: a referral is needed but we do save special appointment times in our schedule so that these patients can get answers right away.
2. What to Wear
- Two-piece outfits: Easy to remove from the waist up.
- Comfortable clothing: Soft fabrics and loose-fitting clothes help you feel relaxed.
- Minimal jewelry: Small earrings are fine, but keep necklaces or anything that could interfere with imaging simple.
Pro tip: skip deodorant, powders, or lotions under your arms since they can show up on images.
3. During Your Mammogram
At Bay Radiology, your comfort and peace of mind are our priority. Our fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologists and experienced technologists guide you through each step:
- Positioning & compression: The machine gently compresses your breast for clear images. While it may feel a bit uncomfortable, it’s quick and our team does everything possible to make it tolerable. Believe it or not, the compression actually reduces your radiation exposure. (Thinner breast = lower radiation dose!)
- Communication: We listen to your concerns and make adjustments as needed.
- Supportive environment: Enjoy a warm, spa-like setting, complete with soft, fluffy robes in all sizes.
4. After Your Mammogram
- Most patients receive results within hours, and all results are delivered within 30 hours.
- Need additional imaging? Your follow-up is scheduled within 1–2 business days, and biopsy appointments are available within a week.
- Consult directly with our radiologists to review findings and next steps.
5. Tips for First-Timers
- You’ll complete a brief survey during check-in so our team has information they need to provide the best, most personalized care.
- Bring a friend if it helps you feel more comfortable.
- Focus on the peace of mind that early detection provides.
- “Image and leave” visits are completed in less than 30 minutes. Same day evaluations may take more time.
Why Choose Bay Radiology?
- Fellowship-trained breast imagers: Our radiologists have dedicated years exclusively to breast imaging, ensuring expert interpretation every time.
- State-of-the-art technology: From 3D tomosynthesis to contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), we’re the first in Anne Arundel County to offer new advanced imaging options for more accurate results.
- Fast, convenient, and compassionate care: With online scheduling, same-day results, and follow-up appointments in days rather than weeks, we make mammograms stress-free.
Your health deserves a little extra love this season. 💗 Schedule your mammogram at Bay Radiology today and take the first step toward early detection, peace of mind, and personalized care.