What to Look for in a Radiologist When Getting a Mammogram

As the single most effective tool in the early detection of breast cancer, a yearly mammogram should be a part of most women’s preventative health screening routine. Mammograms can detect abnormalities much earlier than a woman or her doctor will notice any visual changes to the breast tissue. However, a successfully administered mammogram is dependent on choosing a screening facility that employs the most skilled, knowledgeable radiologist in their field.

What Is a Radiologist?

Radiologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders by utilizing x-rays and other medical imaging techniques such as MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine. A radiologist must graduate from an accredited medical school and successfully complete a licensing exam. A further four-year postgraduate residency follows that focuses on the following medical subjects:

• Radiation safety
• Effects of radiation on human bodies
• Correct administration of radiological testing
• Correct interpretation of imaging results

After a successful residency, a radiologist will often choose a specialty such as breast imaging, nuclear medicine, or cardiovascular imaging. After demonstrating mastery in their field, a radiologist can become board certified by the American Board of Radiology.

How Should I Choose a Quality Mammography Facility?

Make sure the mammography center you choose is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR adopts a set of standards and guidelines in all aspects of the mammography process for radiologists, technicians, and imaging equipment. When a facility meets ACR standards for accreditation, you can rest assured that the radiologists and technicians have special training in the subset of mammography and that the imaging equipment is up to date and well maintained.

Why You Can Trust PURE Mammography

PURE Mammography is a division of Medical Arts Radiology, a Long Island medical practice that has been treating patients at eight different imaging centers for more than 70 years. All of our radiologists are board certified in their sub-specialty, with PURE focusing on state of the art 3D breast imaging. PURE is now an ACR Center of Excellence in Breast Imaging. 

At PURE, we perform mammograms with your comfort, convenience, and care in mind. We offer the latest technology in breast imaging and make your visit as soothing as possible with a spa-like atmosphere. We offer warm plush robes and snacks while you wait for your exam. We then transport you to a tropical rainforest, beach, or garden in your exam room thanks to a state-of-the-art digital screen and surround sound system. Studies show that being relaxed during your mammogram leads to improved testing and fewer false positive outcomes.

Located inside the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, we offer extended, flexible hours with no appointment necessary so that stopping in for a mammogram after shopping or even on a Sunday is a breeze. No appointment or referral is necessary at PURE, so you can stop in for your yearly mammogram at any time that's convenient for you.

Want to learn more about our unique mammography facility? Explore our website to read about our radiologists, take a virtual tour of our facility, learn about our imaging procedures, and more.