Get the Most Out of Your Mammogram at Alamogordo Imaging Center

A mammogram is a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer, and it’s important to choose your location carefully. Alamogordo Imaging Center offers the latest diagnostic equipment and the best diagnosticians in the area, so our Mammograms can provide you with superior care and the highest quality results. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Mammogram at Alamogordo Imaging Center!

What to expect when you arrive

*The technologist will ask you a few questions about your medical history and then take your picture. *You’ll then be escorted to an imaging room where you’ll disrobe and put on a hospital gown. *A technologist will then do an exam prior to your mammogram. This is to ensure there are no abnormalities that would require further testing. Then, they’ll insert an IV into your arm in order to inject contrast dye into your blood stream (this helps make sure everything shows up on image). After that, they’ll move you onto an imaging table where another technologist will do an additional scan prior to your mammogram. There, you’ll need to remain still for 20-30 minutes while different views are taken.

Where to park

We’re located in downtown Alamogordo, near several restaurants and shops. There is a small parking lot right outside our door with plenty of spaces. If that lot is full, you can park in any one of four city lots within walking distance to our center. These lots are just a block or two away and are well-lit 24 hours a day by security lights. You can also take advantage of free street parking in many areas around our facility after 6pm and on weekends.

When to arrive

For your convenience, we recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. Please arrive earlier if you will be fasting before your exam. If you have any concerns about whether or not you will need to fast, please contact our office for instructions and recommendations. Even if you are not fasting, it is a good idea to get there early enough so that there is ample time for registration and preparation for your procedure. Our staff members can provide information about what to expect during each step of your visit in order to help you prepare mentally and physically. When arriving, please make sure that someone else is available to drive you home following your appointment; if no one else can bring you home following your exam, please call ahead so that we can make arrangements for transportation.

Before getting an appointment

If you haven’t had a mammogram in more than two years, it’s time to book an appointment. Mammograms are one of your most important defenses against breast cancer. Screening mammograms are recommended once every year for women 40 and older and every other year for women ages 30 to 39. In some cases, additional screenings may be necessary. Women with a family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation or previous biopsy confirming abnormal cells might benefit from screening earlier and more often—and women should ask their doctors about that if they fall into these categories.

What equipment is use?

Mammography is a screening tool that uses x-rays to examine breast tissue. Mammograms are used to detect and diagnose cancer, especially when there are no or minimal symptoms present. Many doctors use mammograms as a screening tool to find tumors in dense breast tissue and/or for patients who have had dense breasts for a long time. Learn more about our Breast Center!

Radiation protection and side effects?

Side effects from a mammogram can vary from person to person, but they’re usually minor. Talk with your doctor about what to expect and how to prepare for your exam. Some tips include drinking plenty of water and laying off caffeine before your appointment—these simple lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety. Keep in mind that even if you do feel something during your mammogram. It’s very unlikely that it’s related to radiation exposure, especially since most technology used today is well below safe levels. The best way to protect yourself is simply by being inform.

Scheduling the exam

A mammogram screening alamogrdo, NM is a valuable tool in early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Schedule your appointment today with one of our Radiologists, who have expertise in breast imaging. Our certified technicians are trained to provide friendly customer service with compassion, using state-of-the-art technology. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote for your mammography. We look forward to helping you stay on top of your health in Alamogordo and surrounding areas!

Taking care of yourself before the exam

With any medical procedure, there’s a right way and a wrong way to prepare. Before you come in for your mammogram, it’s essential that you know what to expect. We recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor before coming in. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications . OR supplements you are taking and whether or not you are breastfeeding or pregnant. If your physician feels there is something else he or she wants to test before your mammogram. It’s best if they perform those tests before your procedure, so plan ahead for any additional tests by making an appointment with them first. The more comfortable and prepared you are going into your exam, the better results we can provide!

After your visit

Getting regular mammograms is a routine part of breast cancer prevention. And while some are concerned about radiation exposure. It’s estimate that only one in every 2,000 women screen by mammography will develop breast cancer from that exposure. As technology continues to improve your chances for prevention increase as well. At Alamogordo Imaging Center we offer state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic imaging technology including digital mammography with our 1.5 Tesla Signa Infinity LX Echospeed Plus. With a high performance short-bore, whole body imaging system. Our Radiologists are board certified with expertise in neuroradiology and are able to provide professional interpretation for all available screening technologies and procedures.