Symptomatic Patient Scheduling Rules

Symptomatic Patient Scheduling Rules

New Changes are defined as since their last mammogram!

AN ORDER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM OVERRIDES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RULES!

If patient does not want a diagnostic mammogram and that is what doctor ordered – 
refer patient to contact doctor directly to update/correct.

ALL MALE PATIENTS – Diagnostic Mammogram! Regardless of age!

Axilla: Underarm/Armpit area – This area is PART OF A BREAST!
Problem in Axilla: Follow symptomatic rules below!

Attempt to schedule symptomatic patients within 2 business day if we have an order.
Schedule at least 2 business days out if we do NOT have an order.
If no availability within time-frame, schedule first available and email to Center.

Check order for both Diagnostic Mammogram and Breast US to eliminate wait time or second appointment. If both are not included on the order, recommend patient to contact physician for an updated order.

• Lump, Bump, Mass:
  • New or Changed
    • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
    • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram 
  • Fibrocystic without any changes - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT
    • Screening Mammogram (35+)
       
• Skin Dimpling, Dent, Wrinkle, Fold:
  (If this has been addressed and is NOT new to the patient, DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT)
  • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
  • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram
     
• Pain:
  • Focal Pain (in one spot or one breast)
    • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
    • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram 
  • Diffuse Pain (in both breasts, with cycle, comes and goes, not new) - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT
    • Screening Mammogram (35+)
       
• Acne - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT:
  • Screening Mammogram (35+)
     
• Shingles or Sunburn without any other symptom - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT:
  • Screening Mammogram (35+)
    • Sunburn - Schedule at least 7 days out to allow healing time
    • Shingles - Schedule when not active - Will be reviewed by a Tech before completing exam
       
• Ruptured Implant:
  • New
    • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
    • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram
       
• Inverted Nipple (pulled in instead of out):
  • New
    • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
    • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram
       
• Nipple Discharge (fluid from nipple and patient is NOT currently breast feeding):
  • One Breast - Bloody or Clear
    • 29 and under - Breast Ultrasound
    • 30+ - Diagnostic Mammogram
  • Both Breasts 
    • Milky & Expressed from both breasts – Screening mammogram (35+) - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT
    • All other explanations - Do not schedule - Patient needs to contact doctor first
       
• Focal Redness (red in one spot):
  • Is this new?
    • Yes   - Is your physician aware?
      • Yes - Schedule what physician ordered or refer to physician for order
      • No - Do not schedule - Patient needs to contact doctor first
    • No (not new) - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT
      • Screening Mammogram (35+)
         
• Rash (an example of this may be eczema):
  • Is this new?
    • Yes   - Is your physician aware?
      • Yes - Schedule what physician ordered or refer to physician for order
      • No - Do not schedule - Patient needs to contact doctor first
    • No (not new) - DO NOT REQUEST SOONER APPT
      • Screening Mammogram (35+)

EDITED: 12/13/2024