Iowa Clinic - Mammography

Digital Mammography

At The Iowa Clinic Women’s Center, we know what you’re up against in the fight against breast cancer. That’s why we have a strong new ally in your corner called digital mammography.

A study by the American College of Radiology says digital mammography is superior at detecting breast cancer. This new state of the art equipment allows your doctor to see more and do more with the breast images, giving you the peace of mind that your mammogram is as accurate as it can be.

Benefits and Features of the Digital Mammography:

Better visibility of the breast, particularly near the skin line, the chest wall and in women with dense breast tissue.

Faster appointments - an average exam can now take 10-15 minutes versus 30 minutes with the traditional film based mammograms.

Fewer callbacks for patients. The ability to generate images within seconds and the flexibility to magnify and manipulate those images will eliminate many of the callbacks that are necessary with traditional film based systems.

If a second opinion is required, the image can be forwarded using an existing PACS system. There is no need for pick up and delivery.

What is a digital mammogram and how often should I have one?

Digital (computerized) mammography is similar to standard mammography in that x-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast. Digital mammography uses essentially the same mammography system as conventional mammography, but the system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette.

Screening mammography is used as a preventative measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of the breast.

Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast, and it is used when an abnormality is found during screening, or in women who have breast complaints.

A mammogram cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer. To confirm whether cancer is present, a small amount of tissue must be removed and examined under a microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy.

Health insurance usually pays for one mammogram per year.

The American Cancer Society says all women aged 40 and older should have a yearly mammogram.

Early detection with digital mammography…delivering the 1-2 punch in the fight against breast cancer.

To schedule an appointment: 515-875-9500
You may schedule your own mammogram. You do not need your primary care physician to refer you.

Hours:
Monday – Friday 8 to 5

Locations:
1215 Pleasant Street., Suite 408 – Des Moines
5950 University Avenue, Suite 145 – West Des Moines
Click here for a (PDF) map

Getting your mammogram at The Iowa Clinic

The Iowa Clinic is pleased to offer patients digital mammography technology. For your convenience, we offer mammography services at our West Des Moines and Downtown locations. The mammography suites are designed to provide the most comfortable setting possible for your testing. At our newly designed downtown location, the mammography suites have dressing rooms connected directly to the exam room. This design provides the most private setting for your mammogram. At The Iowa Clinic you can count on personalized care from our staff, as well as a radiologist on site at both locations to read your mammogram on the day of your visit. The Iowa Clinic offers the latest technology in the early detection of breast cancer including the R2 Image Checker, breast ultrasounds, breast MRI’s, and stereotactic breast biopsies.

In the event we do discover a breast lump, a team of nurses and specialty physicians from The Iowa Clinic will work with you to coordinate the diagnostic phase of your care. It is this coordination that reduces the wait time for critical test results.