Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses a wand-like device called a transducer over your skin to make the images of your breasts.

A breast ultrasound is most often done to find out if a problem found by a mammogram or physical exam of the breast may be a cyst filled with fluid or a solid tumor.

Breast ultrasound is not usually done to screen for breast cancer. This is because it may miss some early signs of cancer. An example of early signs that may not show up on ultrasound are tiny calcium deposits called microcalcifications.

You may be recommended to have a breast ultrasound from your doctor or Windsong if:

• You have dense breast tissue. Sometimes, when a mammogram is performed at our facility, our board-certified, fellowship trained breast radiologists may recommend for you to have an additional layer of testing such as a breast ultrasound.
• You are pregnant. Mammography uses radiation, but ultrasound does not. This makes it safer for the fetus.
• Are younger than age 25

To aid in early detection, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Breast Law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2017. The new legislative agreement eliminates cost-sharing for diagnostic imaging for breast cancer, including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs for women at high risk for breast cancer. As a result, women in need of tests other than standard mammograms will not have to pay any additional out-of-pocket expenses for these most common diagnostic tests.
Please note that this legislation only applies to strictly NYS based insurance plans and not plans that are based out of other states. Also, it currently does not apply to Medicare. Please contact your health insurance plan to find out your out of pocket financial responsibility.