3D Mammography in Artesia NM
| Artesia General Hospital offers 3D mammography in Artesia, NM, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Women 40 and older can schedule an annual screening mammogram with no physician referral. Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans cover a screening mammogram at no cost to you. |
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3D Mammography in Artesia NM
Your annual mammogram is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early, when it is small and treatable. At Artesia General Hospital, we make that easy: no referral, a 15-minute appointment, and the clearest imaging available in the Pecos Valley.
3D mammography, also called breast tomosynthesis, gives our radiologists a layer-by-layer view of your breast tissue instead of a single flat picture. That view finds more cancers earlier and sends fewer women back for follow-up images. It is part of our full imaging department, so if anything needs a closer look, the next step happens here too.
Who can schedule a screening mammogram at AGH?
Women 40 and older can schedule an annual screening mammogram at Artesia General Hospital without a physician referral. You do not need to see your doctor first. Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) or request an appointment online, and we handle the rest.
The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. Your provider may suggest a different schedule based on your family history or other risk factors.
If you notice a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or any new breast change, you need a diagnostic mammogram instead. A diagnostic exam requires an order from your provider at any age. If you are under 40 with a strong family history of breast cancer, talk with your provider about when to start.
Why does 3D mammography catch breast cancer earlier?
3D mammography catches breast cancer earlier because it removes the tissue overlap that hides small cancers on a flat 2D image. The X-ray arm sweeps in a short arc over the breast and takes multiple low-dose images. A computer builds those into thin layers, and the radiologist reviews the tissue one layer at a time.
That overlap problem cuts both ways. Overlapping tissue can hide a small cancer, and it can also make normal tissue look suspicious. Seeing tissue layer by layer solves both. The radiologist is more likely to find a cancer while it is small, and you are less likely to get a callback for something harmless. AGH uses the Hologic Genius 3D Mammography exam. Hologic reports the Genius exam is FDA-approved as superior to 2D mammography alone for women with dense breasts.
What happens at your 3D mammogram?
Before your visit. Skip deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, and powder under your arms and on your chest that morning; they can show up on the images. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only undress from the waist up. If you had a mammogram somewhere else, tell us where so we can request the prior images for comparison.
During the exam. A mammography technologist positions each breast and applies compression for a few seconds per image. Compression can be uncomfortable, but it is brief. Tell your technologist if you need an adjustment; the exam works best when you are as comfortable as possible.
After the exam. A board-certified radiologist reads your images. You receive a results letter within about 10 business days, and your provider gets the report. Your letter also tells you whether your breast tissue is dense. That is now required in every mammogram report nationwide under the FDA’s MQSA rule (effective September 2024), and it helps you and your provider decide whether extra screening makes sense.
How much does a mammogram cost at AGH?
Most health plans cover a screening mammogram at no cost to you because it is a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act. Medicare covers one screening mammogram every 12 months for women 40 and older. If you are unsure, call the number on your insurance card and ask about “screening mammography.”If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, AGH lists a self-pay 3D screening mammogram on MDsave, currently around $396. Diagnostic mammograms and follow-up imaging have different billing. Our cost estimator and financial assistance pages can help you plan before your visit.
Where do I go, and when?
We perform mammograms in the Imaging Department at Artesia General Hospital, 702 N. 13th Street, Artesia, NM 88210. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) or request an appointment online. Se habla español.
Women from Carlsbad, Roswell, Hobbs, and across the Pecos Valley come to Artesia for screening. If you are also due for a bone density (DEXA) scan, ask to schedule it in the same visit.
Why choose AGH for your mammogram?
- Our mammography program is accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified under the FDA’s Mammography Quality Standards Act.
- Our all-female mammography team focuses on privacy and comfort.
- Board-certified radiologists read every exam.
- If more imaging is needed, breast ultrasound and breast MRI are available at AGH, including our new dedicated breast MRI coil, so you are not sent out of town for the next step.
- Our Vibrant Women’s Health clinic can fold your mammogram into your annual well-woman exam.
- A Pink Ribbon Facility recognized for excellence in breast health.
Mamografía 3D en Artesia, NM
Las mujeres de 40 años o más pueden programar su mamografía anual de detección sin orden médica. Ofrecemos citas de lunes a viernes, de 7:30 am a 5:00 pm, en Artesia General Hospital, 702 N. 13th Street, Artesia. Llame al 1-855-723-3926. Hablamos español. La mayoría de los seguros cubren la mamografía de detección sin costo para usted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a mammogram at AGH?
No, not for a screening mammogram if you are 40 or older. Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM or request an appointment online. A diagnostic mammogram, which is used when you have a symptom or an abnormal screening, does require an order from your provider.
How long does a 3D mammogram take?
About 15 minutes from check-in to finish. The imaging itself takes only a few minutes longer than a traditional 2D mammogram.
Does a 3D mammogram hurt?
Compression lasts a few seconds per image and can be uncomfortable, but it is brief. Tell your technologist if you need an adjustment. If your breasts are tender before your period, scheduling for the week after can help.
Is a screening mammogram covered by insurance?
Most plans cover it at no cost as a preventive service, and Medicare covers one every 12 months for women 40 and older. If you are uninsured, AGH offers a self-pay 3D screening mammogram through MDsave.
I have dense breasts. Is 3D mammography better for me?
Yes. Dense tissue can hide cancer on a flat 2D image, and 3D mammography lets the radiologist look through the tissue in layers. Your results letter now tells you your breast density. If your tissue is dense, your provider may recommend supplemental screening such as breast ultrasound or breast MRI, both available at AGH.
What does it mean if I get called back after my mammogram?
Getting called back is common and does not mean you have cancer. It usually means the radiologist wants additional views or an ultrasound to clarify one area. Most callbacks turn out to be normal or benign.
When will I get my results?
You receive a letter within a few business days, and your provider receives the full report. If additional imaging is needed, we call you to schedule it.
Why schedule my mammogram now instead of waiting for October?
Because your screening date is the anniversary of your last mammogram, not the month on the calendar. October is our busiest month, and waiting for it can stretch the gap between screenings well past 12 months. If you are due, September is the easier time to get in.
Can I get a mammogram if I am under 40?
Yes, with an order from your provider. Screening usually starts at 40, but your provider may recommend starting earlier if you have a strong family history or other risk factors.
| Ready to schedule? Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) or request an appointment online. Women 40+, no referral needed. Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, 702 N. 13th Street, Artesia. |
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Screening recommendations vary by personal and family history. Talk with your provider about the schedule that is right for you.
