Re: MAMMOGRAM AND WAITING FOR RESULTS

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

I had it done March 24. They typed a letter on March 30 and I got it April 4.

It took over 2 and a half hours just to have the mammogram. What a mess. I took my previous Films. They claimed that I did not bring the right cds and films. And they could not do the mammogram. It took me over a month to get the appointment and I did not want to take off another day for another appointment. I explained I asked the hospital for all my records, cds and films. She went off in a huff and said she looked and I brought an MRI - I explained that everything was in the envelope. Finally she came back and said she actually had to look at the films I brought. She wanted to only deal with cds - so she would have to have someone put it on cd. and I would have to wait. And wait I did.

Then finally she took me in, she asked me about my medications. I explained all the medications I took. Then she was setting up the machine - she said she would start with my right breast. I said start? I had a mastectomy 8 months ago. Only one side needed to be done. She would not believe me. Clearly you could tell that one side was natural. She said that my script said bilateral mammogram. She said that she would have to talk to my Doctor before she only did one side. Another LONG wait. Then she came back and agreed to only do one side.

Then she asked me to wait again while she reviewed the pictures. Another haft hour wait. Not impressed. I arrived at 11:45 and finally got out of there 5 minutes before 3.
Hungry and cranky.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@drizzellla~

That is awful!

I think the doctor's office issues the "script" so maybe someone just didn't pay attention. But all the rest-awful.

I kind of had that happen when they kept asking for a cd of some previous records-I had brought everything I had and just like you, they insisted they needed it-well I think I had what they needed and explained that. I don't know-my last was not a good esperience either.

I don't think it should really really hurt-as in the machine is coming down also on the bone in your shoulder! Now I feel like its hit or miss whether I get a good technician or not. And usually the ones that are not good keep justifying that it hurts (yes because you are crushing my bone) say it needs to go down low to be effective.I think they are just not talented at adjusting it all. I have had some almost rude, cold, unsympathetic ones and I am not a wimp when it comes to pain.

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

@DiAnne wrote:
Usually my results come in the mail in about a week. The one time I had to return for extra views they called me the next day.

I think it would be a HIPPA violation to just call you on the phonbe. They can't possibly know it is you, just because the person says it is. Even my text results from my center I have to put in a PIN #.

VanSleepy · ‎10-05-2010

@151949 wrote:
@DiAnne wrote:
Usually my results come in the mail in about a week. The one time I had to return for extra views they called me the next day.
I think it would be a HIPPA violation to just call you on the phonbe. They can't possibly know it is you, just because the person says it is. Even my text results from my center I have to put in a PIN #.

Then you could also say they shouldn't mail letters because someone else might get it.

Citrine1 · ‎03-09-2010

@chickenbutt wrote:
How nerve-wracking! I've never had one but I always thought you just did the test, the resulting film went to the doctor's office down the hall, and then you got to see the doc (as soon as it was your turn), while you're there, for the results.

Hope you get good results!

Well this is disturbing news @chickenbutt. Every woman over the age of 40 should have one yearly (and younger than 40 if you have issues). Please consider getting one -- it could save your life!

judy0330 · ‎01-03-2011

It is very easy to say that you just have a mammogram and walk away and forget about it. I did too -- until I had breast cancer. For the past 5 years my mammogram was considered diagnostic and I got the results immediately. This year I will be back to yearly screening mammograms. There is no way I am going to wait for the results to arrive in the mail. I discussed this with the tech last year and she said when I call to make the appt I should tell them that I want it to be read immediately. Who even knew you could do this? I made the appt and it was no problem. For on the spot reading the mammogram had to be scheduled between 11 and 4. Done. If they had not been able to give me an immediate reading I would have gone to a facility that could.

Funloving · ‎03-10-2010

I always asked my doctor to write an ultrasound along with my mammo, every 6 months due to dense breast tissue. Tumors are often not picked up by mammogram alone, and many women have dense breast tissue. It seems nuts to me, because ultrasounds are actually less expensive and there's too many flaws with mammos- IF you have dense breast tissue. Plus I was in a high risk group due to my Mom. The center I used provided results for all patients while they were still there. A radiologist was on duty all day. If anything was questionable the radiologist would come in and talk to you- otherwise it was a tech who gave you the good news.

I'd had many scares that turned out benign, until the last one- and I knew. After a bilateral mast. there's nothing to monitor by mammography- a bright side in all of this.

I think three weeks is pretty cruel, but I do know if something was wrong you'd hear back MUCH sooner- like within 48 hours or sooner, so I wouldn't sweat it.

skuggles · ‎11-20-2013

How about my case. Recently got called back ...right away as was mentioned. Annual mam covered by individual BC/BS plan. Went in to have the new films, exactly the same, plus a two minute ultrasound. Charge=$1,000.00 out of pocket, 100.00 for the ultrasound.. Filed a grievance, sh*t out of luck. Plan costs $8,000.00/yr. Seems to me your results shouldn't be held for a ransom so to speak. You are covered for an annual, so all mam films needed to give you an accurate answer should be covered imo. I won't be running out to get a mam any time soon, in spite of my higher risk. I don't trust them anymore, and I need that out of pocket expense to pay my annual premiums. Can you tell I'm angry about it?

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@skuggles Yours sounds like a case for your state insurance commission or regulatory agency. You're right, it should have been part of the regular mammogram process. I'd fight it.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

skuggles · ‎11-20-2013

@Kachina624 I did fight it, but have not gone to the state insurance commissioner because it seems pointless based on the insurance companies expanation. I changed plans, and I think someone missed it and was performing them because they were "covered" on my old plan. DISHONEST. Money making scam, not remotely about my individual need. Just a guess.