Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound is used for women with a specific breast concern, such as a lump felt by the patient or physician, or for anything found on a mammogram that requires further study.

An ultrasound is most often performed in combination with a diagnostic mammogram. A mammography-certified, female technologist will perform your exam and explain the procedure before getting started. After you check in, you will be shown to a private dressing room where you will undress from the waist up and put on a gown that opens in the front. During your ultrasound procedure, the technologist will ask you to lie down on a table and position you for the exam. She will then apply a hypoallergenic, water-soluble gel to your breast to prevent air from getting between the ultrasound source and your skin. A small probe will be passed over the surface of your breast, producing a painless sensation of light pressure on your skin. A picture of the breast tissue will be seen on the ultrasound screen. The scan generally takes 15-30 minutes.

• Breast Ultrasound requires a physician referral.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
• If you’ve had prior mammograms, breast ultrasounds or breast MRIs at a facility other than Charlotte Radiology, you will be asked to provide contact information for the center so we can obtain these records before your scheduled appointment. Having prior records helps our Radiologists to identify any changes over time. If you would like Charlotte Radiology to request these on your behalf, please fill out our medical records release form one month prior to your scheduled appointment (it can take up to three weeks to receive records from an out of state provider).
• Please be ready to discuss medical history at your appointment, including prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
• Wear two-piece clothing so that you only have to remove your top and bra for the exam.

After your exam, one of our radiologists subspecialized in mammography will review your images with you and explain any further recommendations. A report will be faxed directly to your primary physician as well.

Diagnostic Breast ultrasound is an imaging technology available at Charlotte Radiology breast center locations as part of diagnostic mammography, as needed.  To schedule a screening breast ultrasound, only the Morehead Medical Plaza (MMP) Breast Center offers this procedure.

• Huntersville Breast Center
• Medical Center Plaza Breast Center
• Monroe Breast Center
• Morehead Medical Plaza (MMP) Breast Center
• Pineville Breast Center
• Rock Hill Breast Center
• SouthPark Breast Center
• University Breast Center

This procedure requires a physician referral. Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. Please call 980-233-5053 if you have questions about pricing, insurance coverage, and/or billing before your scheduled appointment.