Screening & Diagnostic Mammography

Get a screening or diagnostic mammogram at Touchstone Medical Imaging

A screening mammogram is a wellness exam that evaluates breast health and screens for signs of breast cancer. It is covered annually by most insurance plans for women 40 years of age and older. Diagnostic mammography investigates possible problems identified during a physical examination or screening mammogram.

How It Works

Screening and diagnostic mammograms are X-ray exams of the breasts to provide images for review of breast tissue and detect abnormalities.
screening mammography with patient
Screening Mammography

Reasons for Screening & Diagnostic Mammography

Screening Mammography is recommended for women 40 years and older, and to be performed on an annual basis as part of your well-health screenings. If you are 40 years of age and are without symptoms, call your local Touchstone mammography site to schedule your screening mammogram.

You DO NOT need an order from your primary care physician for a screening mammogram. However, Touchstone does require a treating physician to send your screening mammogram results to.

Your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram if your screening mammogram points to abnormalities in your breast or if you have dense breast tissue that requires additional images for further analysis.

A woman with a breast problem (for instance, a lump or nipple discharge) or an abnormal area found in a screening mammogram typically gets a diagnostic mammogram. Sometimes diagnostic mammograms are done for screening in women without breast problems who were previously treated for breast cancer.

Screening Mammography Patient Reviews

Our patients say it best. Touchstone Imaging provides welcoming, comforting outpatient facilities with friendly and helpful staff.

Front office staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Technician was absolutely wonderful. Extremely friendly, kept me informed during the entire process of what she was doing and what would be happening next.
Tina J.
I had to take my 11-year-old in for an MRI of his knee. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a medical office in a long time. Everyone was friendly, informative, and professional.
Jodi E.
I had to get a brain MRI back in November. The check in process was fast and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long before being taken to the back to get prepped for my procedure. The staff made me feel at ease and the environment is very calming and tranquil. The MRI tech checked on me constantly during the procedure and kept me informed as to which part of the exam we are completing. I can’t remember her name but she was very nice and pleasant. If I ever have to get another diagnostic test, I will be returning here.
Brian V.
Everyone was excellent! I was acknowledged and welcomed when I entered the building. Front staff were professional and courteous when discussing paperwork. Friendly smiles. My technician impressed me as being highly trained in her field. Her personal and professional skills are awesome. Enjoyed something I wasn’t looking forward to.
Evangelina B.
Friendly staff. I called and got an appointment that fit my schedule. Quick check in. Relatively short wait time compared to a lot of medical facilities. The technician was friendly, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable. I was out in less than an hour.
Wendy B.
Great place, people, and atmosphere was awesome. The guy that brought me to the back had me laughing the whole way. They checked in on me a few times in the MRI machine to make sure I was doing ok and it made me feel more comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone needing an MRI done.
Jon C.
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Choose accurate imaging and convenient service with Touchstone

Touchstone Medical Imaging provides screening mammogram services at various locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Many locations offer extended and weekend hours, with same-day and next-day appointment options, to meet your busy schedule. Touchstone is in-network with 99% of insurance plans to cover your screening mammogram. You can be confident that our team of fellowship-trained, breast imaging radiologists will provide the information necessary for your health.

Screening Mammography Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a screening mammogram?

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology have developed guidelines shown below. Over 90% of breast cancers can be detected when all three methods are used together in a planned program. The following recommendations are for women who are considered at average risk for developing breast cancer.

AGE 20-24
1. Perform a breast self-exam once a month, 7-10 days after onset of menstruation.
2. Get an initial mammogram at age 40.
3. Get a physical exam at least every 3 years.

AGE 40+
1. Perform a breast self-exam once a month, 7-10 days after onset of menstruation.
2. Get a screening mammogram every year.
3. Get a physical exam every year.

I have dense breast tissue, is a screening mammogram enough?

Approximately 50% of women have dense breast tissue. Digital 3D screening mammography is less effective at finding cancers in women with dense breasts as the superimposition of breast tissue can obscure cancers or make normal structures appear suspicious. This reduction in sensitivity and specificity for the detection of breast cancers is more pronounced as breast density increases. 

A conventional screening mammogram is the only early cancer detection strategy that has been shown in randomized trials to reduce the chance of death from breast cancer. The American Cancer Society, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Radiology and other organizations recommend screening mammography annually for women older than 40 years. 

Our fellowship-trained, subspecialty breast imaging radiologists with assess your breast density at the time of your screening mammogram using the breast image reporting and the data system (BIRADS), developed by the American College of Radiology. If our radiologist determines that your breast tissue is dense, additional imaging might be considered to increase the likelihood of detecting early cancers. 

How should I prepare for a screening mammogram?

Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the facility to complete the entire process.

Please do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts the day of the procedure.

Prior to your exam make not of any prior screening mammograms and the results (if your previous screening mammograms were performed at a facility other than Touchstone Medical Imaging).

What happens during a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram usually takes two X-ray pictures (views) of each breast for a total of four images. Some women, such as those with large breasts, may need to have more pictures to see as much breast tissue as possible. If performed annually as recommended, screening mammography is the key to detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. Women 40 years of age and older with no symptoms of breast disease, should schedule their screening mammogram appointments annually. A physician referral is not required for this exam however we must have the name of your physician to send your results. If you are experiencing a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, nipple discharge, or if you have a personal history of breast cancer, your physician should order a more comprehensive exam, called a diagnostic mammogram.

When more information is needed based on the results of your screening mammogram OR if you are experiencing new problems since your last screening mammogram, your physician will order a diagnostic mammogram.

How should I prepare for a diagnostic mammogram?

Preparation for a diagnostic mammography is the same as for a screening mammography appointment.
– Expect to spend an hour to an hour and a half at the facility to complete the entire process. A radiologist will be reviewing your images in real time to determine if additional views are needed.
– Please do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts the day of the procedure.
– Prior to your exam make not of any prior screening mammograms and the results (if your previous screening mammograms were performed at a facility other than Touchstone Medical Imaging).

What happens during a diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram, like a screening mammogram, takes images of your breast using X-ray technology. However, a diagnostic mammogram captures additional images to provide even more detailed information about your breast health.

During a diagnostic mammogram, a radiologist reviews images as they are taken. If the radiologist needs additional pictures to examine an area of concern more closely, our technologist can take them before you leave the mammography room.

A Touchstone Medical Imaging radiologist may interpret your diagnostic mammogram in one of three ways:
– An area that looked abnormal on a screening mammogram turns out to be normal. You can go back to routine yearly screening.
– An area of concern probably is not cancer, but the radiologist may want to watch the area closely. We may ask you to return for another screening in four to six months.
– The results suggest that you need a biopsy to find out if an abnormal area identified on the mammogram is cancer or benign tissue. Most biopsies come back negative for cancer according to the American Cancer Society.

Where does Touchstone perform Diagnostic mammograms?

Touchstone Medical Imaging performs diagnostic mammography exams at various locations in Texas. Please find a center using our location finder.