Mobile Screening Mammography FAQ

Windsong (WRG) is bringing a Mobile Screening Mammogram service to all 8 counties of WNY. The mobile unit provides 2D and 3D mammography to the under and never served populations of WNY. The use of 3D imaging increases the detection of more aggressive forms of breast cancer by 40%. It also decreases recall rates by increasing the amount of detail in each image.

Windsong is collaborating with community partners, who can assist you in getting linked to a PCP, insurance, and other services that are hindering you from coming for your mammogram.

Windsong and its partners can assist you with getting insurance coverage or even getting you help through Cancer Services Program (CSP) in your county. They can help cover any additional fee’s that may come after your screening or if your insurance has a co pay or high deductable.

At multiple locations across WNY. There will be a link on the Windsong website that will have the calendar of events.

You can call your Primary Care Physician and have them fax us a script. Or, we can have a Nurse Practitioner (NP) available for specific events that may require this type of service. The NP will perform a clinical breast exam (CBE) and then write the script.

Although this may be scary, we can link you to a diagnostic facility that can perform a diagnostic exam including an ultrasound.

If you have a normal exam recommending that you return in 1 year; your results will be mailed and you should receive them in 3-5 business days. If you have a new finding; you will get a phone call in 24-48 business hours. Your Dr will also be informed of all information in similar time frames.

You will be contacted by phone and then given the options of coming into a WINDSONG site or to another location in your area that can provide this service. Chances of this happening are fairly common but usually result in nothing more than the extra images. If there is a need for anything further, the program assistants and Radiologists along with your PCP will help coordinate all follow up care.

Having a mammogram before can only help us for your test today. Please inform the staff prior to your appointment so we can facilitate getting the old images. You can also bring them with you to your appointment and we’ll upload them on the coach.

Windsong and its partners have the capabilities of linking you to transportation services to allow you access to diagnostic facilities.

Of 100 patients getting a screening mammogram only 10-15 will need more images. Of those 10-15, only 2-3 will require a biopsy and possibly treatment and surgery. The benefit of this is, typically these are very early stage findings that are easily taken care of. The 5 year survival rate is almost 100% for a stage 0-1 diagnosis. Stage 2 has a 93% 5 year survival rate, proving that early diagnosis is the best scenario for patients.

For these women if you have a strong family history of breast cancer it might be beneficial to start screening earlier than the age of 40. Please consult with physician if you feel you may be considered a High Risk.

Go to the Windsong homepage and find the link for mobile mammo OR call 716-929-9494 to speak with a member of the Mobile Mammography Team for any questions or to book your appointment.

This information we are hoping to get ideas from you as you know your community better than we do. The locations will need to be accessible for the bus to get to. The location will have to be a flat/level and concrete area in order to hold the weight of the bus. The location will need to have access to a bathroom for the patients to use.

We are hoping to identify at least 24 patients that will need a screening. Our plan is to schedule as many as we can for the day of, but we will take walk ins if they have a script. We have also made the decision that if we schedule an event and it doesn’t fill, we will show up and stay the duration regardless.

Yes and no, if one can be provided by your group that would help ensure a smooth process. If your group is unable to provide a NP we are in the process of collaboration with one that will be able to be on site.

Our Program Assistants will also serve as Patient Navigators and will help the patient schedule those appointments at a facility that is best suitable for them. If the patient does not have a facility in mind they will also assist in finding one. If the patient is in need of transportation for that appointment they will gladly assist with that as well.