Q. Why is breast imaging an important part of breast cancer care?

A. Diagnostic breast imaging, including mammography and ultrasound, is key to detecting clinical signs and symptoms of breast disease.

Mammography screening often results in earlier detection of suspicious masses, making possible more and better therapeutic options – i.e. lumpectomy rather than mastectomy – as well as mortality reduction.

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

	Q.	How are UC Irvine breast imaging services different from what may be offered elsewhere?
	Q.	What will my breast imaging experience be like?
	Q.	Am I allowed to bring family members with me when I have my radiology procedure at UC Irvine Medical Center? If so, how many?
	Q.	Is cell phone use allowed in your facility?
	Q.	My doctor is not affiliated with UC Irvine. Can I still have my imaging done at UC Irvine?
	Q.	How long will my examination take?
	Q.	When will my test results be ready?
	Q.	When may I request copies of my examination report?

Q. How are UC Irvine breast imaging services different from what may be offered elsewhere?

A. As Orange County’s only university hospital, UC Irvine Medical Center has the most knowledgeable and best-qualified radiologists and very latest radiologic equipment. Our radiologists are skilled at performing the most sophisticated procedures, including image-guided biopsies with ultrasound and stereotactic guidance for more accurate diagnoses and better cosmetic results.

Q. What will my breast imaging experience be like?

A. Because we have a true multidisciplinary breast center – including surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and genetic counselors in a single center – we can provide more convenient, better and faster care.

Q. Am I allowed to bring family members with me when I have my radiology procedure at UC Irvine Medical Center? If so, how many

A.To ensure privacy for all of our patients, we ask that you bring only those family members or friends necessary for your travel or moral support. Family members and friends can wait for the patient in a designated seating area.

Q. Is cell phone use allowed in your facility?

A. Cell phones are allowed in our imaging facilities. However, if you, a family member or friend needs to place or take a call, we ask that you do so outside. This ensures a calm and relaxing atmosphere for our other patients and their families.

Q. My doctor is not affiliated with UC Irvine. Can I still have my imaging done at UC Irvine?

A.Yes. Please contact our Call Center appointment-scheduling desk at 714.456.5655 to verify that your insurance will cover services provided through UC Irvine Medical Center.

Q. How long will my examination will take?

A. The length of time to perform your examination or procedure will depend on the type of study your physician has ordered. In general, your visit time (from time of arrival until the end of your study or procedure) can range from about 45 minutes to as much as three hours. For more information about specific procedures, please contact our Call Center at 714.456.5655.

Q. When will my test results be ready?

A. Examination results are sent directly to your doctor (the physician who referred you for the study) as well as to other doctors who may have requested copies. On average, your doctor will receive the official results within three business days of the examination. You should call your doctor’s office to confirm whether they received the report.

Q. When may I request copies of my examination report?

A. After our radiologist (the physician who interprets the results of your examination) finalizes the report, you may request copies. For an explanation of these results, you should consult with your referring doctor. For further information, please contact our Call Center at 714.456-5655.