If performed annually as recommended, screening mammography is the key to detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. Women 40 years of age and older with no symptoms of breast disease, should schedule their screening mammogram appointments annually with an order from their doctor. However, if you are experiencing a worrisome lump, nipple discharge, a change in breast skin, breast pain, or if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, then your physician should order a diagnostic mammogram, which is more comprehensive in nature.

Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.

Windsong Radiology Group has updated our mammography protocol to ensure compliance with the New York State Department of Health regulations, which require a direct order for Mammography and other Radiology procedures. If you are scheduled for either a screening or diagnostic mammogram, please be advised of the following regardless of your insurance coverage:
Only a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant can order a screening or diagnostic mammogram.

• You must have an order or prescription from your physician’s office prior to the service. The order can be either written or verbal.
• Verbal orders are typically called in directly to Windsong when your physician’s office schedules your mammogram for you.
• Written orders come in several forms, but the most common are our Windsong pink referral slips or the provider’s own prescription. Please be sure to bring it with you on the day of your appointment.

If you schedule your own appointment and arrive without a written order (and there is no verbal order on record), Windsong will be happy to contact your provider’s office to obtain one. Unfortunately, this may result in a longer wait for you, if we cannot get in touch with your Physician’s office right away.