A typical visit to a Group Health the mammography clinic for a screening mammogram:
- The woman checks in for her appointment at the front desk.
- The receptionist gives her a copy of the risk factor survey to fill out while she waits to be called.
- The mammogram technologist or assistant calls her name, escorts her to a changing room, provides her with a gown and explains the security procedures for her belongings. The technologist also asks if she has any concerns regarding her breasts and notes these on the survey form for the radiologist's review.
- The technologist escorts the woman to the exam room and explains the procedures.
- If this is the woman’s first mammogram, the technologist spends extra time explaining the exam and what to expect.
- During the exam the technologist may ask the woman to help in positioning for the mammogram and pays attention to the woman’s comfort level.
- After the screening views are taken, the technologist asks the woman to wait in the exam room while the images are reviewed for correct positioning and quality. If necessary the technician will take a repeat film to be sure that all breast tissue is included on the film and everything is clear. While the woman is waiting, she can finish filling out the questionnaire if needed.
- Once the technician reviews all films for quality, she tells the woman that after the radiologist has evaluated the films they will send her the results. Sometimes additional images are needed so women will be asked to come back for additional mammographic views.
- The technologist asks if there are any questions, collects the completed survey and escorts the woman back to the changing area.
- The exam usually takes about 20–30 minutes.
- If a woman is interested there is also a tape available on breast self-exam.