Mammography (Mammogram)

Main Line Health recommends all women begin annual screening with mammography at age 40. Higher risk women (e.g., those with genetic abnormalities, strong family history and/or personal risk factors) should discuss with their physician whether additional screening studies or starting screening earlier would be beneficial. Annual screening should continue into later years as long as a woman is in good health.

All mammograms are read by board-certified radiologists who have additional certification by the American College of Radiology (ACR) specifically for mammography. We will call you with your results the very next business day or you may access your results in MyChart.

As a rule, if you have an abnormal diagnosis or a new breast lump, you will be seen within 48 hours by a Main Line Health breast surgeon at one of five locations across the region. At this appointment, the surgeon will determine whether you need a breast biopsy and the best biopsy approach.

A mammogram is covered by some insurance providers, but not by others. Please check with your insurance company to find out whether this service is covered by your plan. If your insurance does not cover one, you may choose to pay for the service out-of-pocket.

The language of health care can be confusing at times—and that's the last thing you need when you're trying to manage your well-being. Learn about the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms.

COVID-19 vaccines may lead to temporary swelling in the lymph nodes, which may make your breast screening more difficult to interpret. For the most accurate test results possible and to avoid unnecessary follow-up studies, Main Line Health recommends scheduling your screening mammogram before you receive your first dose or wait until four to six weeks after receiving your second dose.

For diagnostic mammograms, keep your regularly scheduled appointment.