medical technician helping woman with screening mammogram at doctor office

Early detection with screening mammography

A screening mammogram is one of the best steps you can take to care for your breast health. This simple imaging test helps your care team detect changes in your breast tissue, possible breast conditions or signs of breast cancer before you ever have symptoms.

With online scheduling and locations throughout North and Central Texas, we make it comfortable and convenient for you to get this lifesaving screening. Our imaging centers provide advanced technology for screening mammograms, including 3D mammography, at most locations. And we offer access to various additional services to care for all your breast health needs.

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What is a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram is an imaging test that uses X-rays to create images of your breast tissue. It’s a routine test used when you don’t have any symptoms of a breast condition. We support the current recommendations to begin annual screening mammograms starting at age 40.

Many of our imaging centers offer 3D mammography, called tomosynthesis, for your yearly screening mammogram. 3D mammograms provide multiple thin images of your breast, offering increased visibility. Our 3D mammography machines also have features designed to make your mammogram more comfortable.

Screening vs. diagnostic mammography

Screening and diagnostic mammography use the same imaging technology to take breast X-ray images. The main difference between these two tests is the reason for them.

Screening mammograms are preventive exams that check your breast health when you don’t have symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms are performed if you have symptoms of a breast condition or as a follow-up after a screening mammogram.

Screening mammogram:

  • Preventive screening
  • No symptoms present
  • Typically takes about 15 minutes
  • Usually covered 100% by insurance

Diagnostic mammogram:

  • Follow-up test
  • Symptoms or signs of a breast condition
  • May take longer than a screening
  • Copays and deductibles may apply

 

How to prepare for a mammogram

Our team is here to make your screening mammogram as smooth and comfortable as possible. Screening mammograms can be scheduled online without a doctor’s order, and you’ll typically be in and out in less than 30 minutes.

Before your mammogram:

  • Make sure the center has copies of any previous mammography images
  • Let the center know if you have breast implants, are currently breastfeeding or recently had a vaccine
  • Contact us with any questions

On the day of your mammogram:

  • Follow your normal routine for eating and taking medications
  • Avoid using lotions, powders or deodorant in your underarms or breast area
  • Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit so that you can undress from the waist up
  • Bring your ID and insurance card to your appointment

Where to get a screening mammogram

Find a screening mammogram location near you.

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Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville

Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville

4400 W I-30, Suite 200 , Greenville, TX, 75402
868.2 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie

Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie

2300 Fm 544, Suite 110 , Wylie, TX, 75098
891.8 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Parkway, Suite 121 , Rockwall, TX, 75032
892.5 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
893.0 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Elizabeth Jekot Md Breast Imaging Center - Richardson

Baylor Scott & White Elizabeth Jekot Md Breast Imaging Center - Richardson

3301 E Renner Road, Suite 100 , Richardson, TX, 75082
896.8 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney

Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney

763 E Us Hwy 80, Suite 120 , Forney, TX, 75126
897.7 mi Directions
Baylor University Medical Center

Baylor University Medical Center

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 200 , Dallas, TX, 75231
907.1 mi Directions
Baylor University Medical Center

Baylor University Medical Center

3900 Junius Street, Suite 200 , Dallas, TX, 75246
910.7 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving

Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving

2001 N Macarthur Blvd, Mob 1, Suite 250 , Irving, TX, 75061
917.4 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

2400 North I-35e , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
929.7 mi Directions
Hillcrest Medical Office Building 1

Hillcrest Medical Office Building 1

50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Ste 103b , Waco, TX, 76712
984.2 mi Directions
Waco Clinic

Waco Clinic

7700 Fish Pond Rd. , Waco, TX, 76710
985.5 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Clinic Floor 2 - College Station Rock Prairie

Baylor Scott & White Clinic Floor 2 - College Station Rock Prairie

800 Scott & White Dr. , College Station, TX, 77845
988.2 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Main Clinic Ground Floor Desk - Temple

Baylor Scott & White Main Clinic Ground Floor Desk - Temple

2401 S. 31st Street , Temple, TX, 76508
1012.2 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic

Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic

600 N Park Street , Brenham, TX, 77833
1013.4 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Killeen

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Killeen

3801 Scott & White Dr. , Killeen, TX, 76543
1026.8 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor

305 Mallard Ln. , Taylor, TX, 76574
1036.8 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

5245 W Us Highway 290 , Austin, TX, 78735
1071.9 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

100 Medical Parkway , Lakeway, TX, 78738
1073.3 mi Directions
Baylor Scott & White Hospital - Marble Falls

Baylor Scott & White Hospital - Marble Falls

810 West Highway 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
1079.8 mi Directions

Frequently asked questions

  • Can a screening mammogram detect cancer?

    Screening mammograms detect changes or signs that might be caused by a breast condition or cancer. While they don’t provide a diagnosis, mammograms give your care team a way to check on your breast health. Often, they can detect signs of breast cancer in the earliest stages—before you have any symptoms.

  • How accurate is a screening mammogram?

    Mammograms are the best screening that we have today to care for your breast health and catch possible breast conditions early. However, it’s possible to get a false-positive or false-negative result. The accuracy of your mammogram depends on several factors, such as the technology used or if you have dense breast tissue. 

  • Are screening mammograms covered by insurance?

    As a preventive exam, a screening mammogram is usually covered once a year by your insurance. By law, most private insurance providers are required to cover the cost of a screening mammogram without copays or deductibles.

  • Do I need a referral for a screening mammogram?

    You can schedule your yearly screening mammogram online when it’s convenient for you—without the need for a doctor’s order. If you have symptoms and need a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll need a referral or order from your healthcare provider.

  • Is a mammogram screening painful?

    You may feel mild discomfort, like a squeezing or pressure, when the breast is compressed during a mammogram. With 3D mammography, the compression only lasts a few seconds. Our team will work to make your entire experience as comfortable as possible.