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(816) 453 - 2700

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Imaging for Women

630 NW Englewood Road, Kansas City, MO 64118

(816) 453 - 2700

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Imaging for Women offers all types of ultrasound exams including:

Abdominal

Vascular

Pelvic

Thyroid

OB - Routine and 4D

Whole Breast US Screening

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images. Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure and does not use radiation.

How do I prepare for my exam?

Listed below are the ultrasound exams we offer and the preparation needed for each.

OB/GYN Exams:

Abdominal Exams:


Abdominal:  Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. You may take medication with sips of water.

Aorta: No eating or drinking 4 hours before the exam.

Gallbladder: Drink 20 oz. of water one hour prior to your exam.

Kidneys: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. You may take medication with sips of water.

Vascular and Miscellaneous Exams:


Lower Extremity Venous, Lower Extremity Arterial, Carotid, Thyroid, Soft Tissue and Breast Ultrasound Exams have no prior preparations before the exams.

What will I experience during my ultrasound exam?


A specially trained sonographer will apply gel to the skin over the area being examined. The sonographer then places the transducer over the area and obtains the desired diagnostic study. She may have you change positions or hold your breath.  


Certain exams require insertion of a special transducer into the vagina. This is called transvaginal ultrasound. If your exam requires this additional imaging, we will discuss this with you and ask your permission beforehand.

Whole Breast Screening Ultrasound


Who needs this exam?  

 

What is a whole breast ultrasound?

 

What does it cost?      


1.) Should I be screened with ultrasound of my breasts?

2.) If I get a screening breast ultrasound, do I still need to get a mammogram?

3.) How much does a screening breast ultrasound cost?

4.) Will my insurance pay for the exam?

5.) Do I have to be screened with ultrasound if I have dense breasts?

6.) Does my doctor have to order the exam?

7.) Will the exam compress my breasts like a mammogram?

8.) How long does the test take?

1.)  Should I be screened with ultrasound of my breasts?

Not everyone should be screened with ultrasound. The women who benefit are ones with 50% or greater breast density on their mammogram. If you have a family history or personal history, it may be even more beneficial. Why should you be screened? Because screening with ultrasound has been shown to detect up to 3.2 cancers per 1,000 women screened in women with denser breast tissue. These women usually have no evidence of cancer on their mammogram. The problem is that mammograms detect less cancers in women with denser breasts. We just can’t see some of the subtle signs of cancer in these dense areas. Additionally, women with dense breasts have a higher risk of cancer - as much as 4-6 times the relative risk. Why? No one knows. Screening breast ultrasound gives us an additional tool to be able to find these occult cancers.

2.)  If I get a screening breast ultrasound, do I still need to get a mammogram?

Yes. Unfortunately, ultrasound is not very good at detecting small clusters of suspicious calcifications or areas of distortion in breast tissue. These can only be detected with mammography and can be the only sign of early cancer. Besides, mammography is the gold standard in the detection of breast cancer. It can pick up between 3-6 cancers per 1,000 women screened.


3.)  How much does a screening breast ultrasound cost?

This varies by your insurance plan. Some pay for it completely. Others pay a portion of the plan. Some plans will allow it but it goes to your deductible. Even if you don’t have insurance, you can usually have the exam for less than $100. If you want to know what your insurance covers, you can call your insurance plan or call our office and we will query your insurance plan to determine what they will cover.

4.)  Will my insurance pay for the exam?


See question #3.

5.)  Do I have to be screened with ultrasound if I have dense breasts?

No, this is an optional test. Not everyone agrees that the exam is mandatory or necessary. However, Imaging for Women has already found cancers using this exam that were not visible by mammography. However, we always believe in free choice. Every exam costs money. The question you must ask yourself, is it worth it for me? Can I afford the test?  

6.)  Does my doctor have to order the exam?

Yes, your doctor must send us an order before we can perform the test on you. This is simple, though. If you ask at the time of your next doctor visit, most doctors would be glad to order the test for you. If you just had your office visit with your doctor, many offices will allow you to call their nurse to request the exam and they will send us at order.

7.)  Will the exam compress my breasts like a mammogram?

There is minimal pressure on your chest as the ultrasound probe pushes against your chest but the compression is small as compared to a normal mammogram.

8.)  How long does the test take?

The entire test usually only takes 20 minutes. Our physicians will review the exam immediately after your exam. If we need to perform any extra views, we will do these after your exam. As usual, you will know your results before you leave our office.

A review of Benefits and Harms of screening mammograms beginning at age 40.

Ultrasounds