3D mammography (digital breast Tomosynthesis) is the latest FDA-approved advancement to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. 3D mammography allows your radiologist to see your breast tissue details more clearly and may uncover breast cancer that would otherwise be hidden by overlying breast tissue.
UCLA was the first facility in California to become 100 percent digital and among the first medical centers in the region with the resources and expertise to offer 3D mammography.
3D mammography provides radiologists with multiple, thin-section images, allowing the radiologist to evaluate your breast tissue layer by layer. During the exam, the x-ray arm moves in a small arc over your breast and acquires multiple low-dose images, which are reconstructed into a 3D image. Conventional 2D mammograms obtain two images of the breast.
Numerous recent studies (PDF) showed 3D mammography increased invasive breast cancer detection rates by 40%. Additionally, 15% fewer patients were "called back" and asked to return for additional evaluation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, about half of all women screened annually within a 10-year period will be asked to return for additional evaluation at least once.
As a new technology, some insurance plans do not include 3D mammography as a covered service for breast cancer screening or diagnostic study. For patients with 3D mammography coverage, we will bill your insurance. For patients without 3D mammography coverage, we offer a $45 3D surcharge option at check-in. For questions about your bill or follow up from your insurance about 3D Mammography, call (310) 301-8860 to speak with our billing specialists.
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Breast Imaging at UCLA provides a full range of high quality and innovative breast imaging studies, treatments and procedures to the greater Los Angeles area. We are currently located in Westwood, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Toluca Lake, Manhattan Beach, and Palos Verdes. Click here to learn more about all of our locations.
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