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The Breast Clinic
Maine Coast Memorial
Hospital
The Medical Office Building
Suite 3300
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 664-5492
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Since 1986, the
Breast Clinic at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital has been
offering caring, competent breast care service in a
relaxed setting. This leadership has provided the women
of Hancock and Washington Counties with a truly special
resource. The Breast Clinic is part of Downeast Maine’s
largest and most comprehensive healthcare facility,
ensuring our patients excellence in care.
The Breast Clinic at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital has
received National Accreditation from the FDA, American
College of Radiology, is certified by the State of Maine
and by Medicare.
All clinical Staff at Maine
Coast Memorial Breast Clinic have received specialized
training in mammography.
The radiologists who interpret the mammograms have had
specific training in mammography and the technologist
has a special certification in mammography.
Suite 3300 in the Medical Office Building is home to the
Breast Clinic. The Clinic was designed to provide
privacy, comfort, and the highest quality of
professional service.
Our equipment
Our mammograms are performed on two state of the art Digital Mammography Systems.
Special features include:
- Image more breast tissue
- Allow greater physical comfort for the patient
- Provide greater access to areas
of the breast that are difficult to image
- Optimize the chance for the
earliest detection of small, curable cancers
F. A. Q.
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Why a
Mammogram?
A mammogram has the capability of
finding a tiny tumor years before it can
be felt. Since we don’t know what causes
breast cancer, we really have no way to
prevent it. Our best hope is through
early detection and treatment.
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Who needs
a Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends a
first (baseline) mammogram between the
ages of 35 and 40. Women who are between
40 and over should have a mammogram
every year.
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What is a
Mammogram?
A mammogram is a special low dose
x-ray of breast tissue only. There are
at least 4 views taken for a complete
study - two views of each breast. The
films are then interpreted by a
radiologist and the results are sent to
your physician. Your physician will then
discuss the results with you.
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Does a
Mammogram hurt?
A mammogram should not hurt! The breasts
are compressed during the exam. It feels
tight, sometimes a little uncomfortable,
but should never be painful. Timing and
preparation are important. The exam
should not be scheduled before a
menstrual period or at the end of an
estrogen cycle. Caffeine should be
eliminated 7 to 10 days before the exam.
These measures help to decrease any
discomfort.
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Will my insurance pay for a Mammogram?
There are two categories of mammograms:
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Screening
These are done when women have
no symptoms.
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Diagnostic This means the woman presents
with a problem such as a lump, pain, nipple
discharge, nipple retraction or other symptom.
Most insurance companies pay for both
types of mammograms, but the only way to know for sure
is to contact your insurance company. Medicare will pay
for a mammogram every year. Most companies have toll
free numbers. If you have no insurance, don't let the
cost of a mammogram dissuade you from having one. There
are programs available to assist with the cost. No one
has ever been denied a mammogram at Maine Coast Memorial
Hospital because she could’t afford it.
Our Staff
Pictured above: Charlene, RTRM, Jean, Mary, patient service representative and Nancy, RTRM. |
The Breast Clinic Team
includes:
The Breast Clinic relies on the depth of resources from
Spectrum Radiology
to interpret all mammograms.
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