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What to Expect On the Day of Your Breast Ultrasound Screening with HerScan

Written by HerScan | Oct 1, 2024, 9:26:47 PM
 
 
 

At HerScan, we’re on a mission to make breast ultrasound screening easily accessible to more women, empowering them to do more for their breast health. The HerScan program makes it convenient and affordable to be scanned, adding invaluable protection to annual health routines.

If you’re new to HerScan, you may be wondering what to expect on the day of your breast ultrasound screening. You’ll be happy to know that your appointment will be quick (approximately 20 minutes from the time you walk in the door), painless, and compression-free.

Please note that HerScan offers breast ultrasound screenings, which are different from diagnostic ultrasounds. Instead, ultrasound screenings provide another layer of imaging to look at alongside your annual mammogram. You can then share this information with your provider to make informed decisions about your health.

 

Before the Exam

1. Schedule an Appointment

There are a few convenient ways to schedule your breast ultrasound appointment:

●  Make an online appointment

●  Call the HerScan team at ​1-800-338-7499

After your appointment has been scheduled, you will receive a confirmation via email and text that details all of your appointment information. Please note: if there is not an address listed in your confirmation, it means that the venue is still pending. As soon as it is set, you will receive another confirmation via email and text.

During the Exam

2. Arrive at Your Appointment

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment for check-in and registration. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may need to reschedule. On the day of your appointment, dress comfortably; a two-piece outfit is best. You may wear deodorant to your appointment. Please refrain from wearing perfume.

What to Bring
A photo ID and the payment method noted in your confirmation. 

I​t is our goal to ensure our clients feel relaxed during their appointment. This is why we partner with many local businesses, such as wellness centers, spas, boutique hotels, and other tranquil venues, so you feel at ease and relaxed. Once you arrive, look for HerScan’s pink signs that point you to your appointment location. Our small, private clinics are kept at the highest hygienic standards possible.

After you enter the venue, a member of our Sonographer team will be there to greet you.

3. Fill Out a Brief Medical History Form

After you arrive, you’ll be asked to scan a QR code to complete a brief medical history form. You’ll answer basic information about yourself, your family history, and list any concerns. Please make sure your email address is accurate, as your results will be emailed to the address you provide on the form.

4. Breast Ultrasound Screening

Once your medical form is completed, a certified female Sonographer will bring you to the private exam room. You will be given a gown and asked to remove your clothing from the waist up. Unlike mammography, breast ultrasound is compression-free so it will be a completely painless experience. Your Sonographer will then go through the brief medical history questionnaire you completed. After this, the Sonographer is ready to begin the screening test. A​n ultrasound probe with warm gel will be used to begin screening both breasts and the axilla (armpit) area. If you’ve had surgery, implants, ports, or scars, your sonographer will adjust the screening technique accordingly.

After the Exam

5. Receive the Results

After the completion of your screening, your images will be read by a board-certified radiologist and the results will be sent to you within 5-7 business days. From that point, you'll receive an email invitation with a link to set up your Blume patient portal account. Just click the “Step into Blume” link in your email, then enter your email address, name, date of birth, and set a 6-digit PIN to complete your account setup. If you can't find the invitation email, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.

6. What If My Screening Finds Something?

If your HerScan breast ultrasound screening identifies an area that needs a closer look, it does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Many findings that require additional evaluation are ultimately found to be benign (noncancerous).

HerScan provides breast ultrasound screening, which is designed to identify potential abnormalities, not diagnose breast cancer. All screening images are reviewed by board-certified radiologists, who provide a report outlining the findings and any recommended next steps.

If additional evaluation is recommended, your healthcare provider may suggest a diagnostic mammogram, targeted breast ultrasound, or other imaging to take a closer look at the area. In some cases, further testing, such as a biopsy, may be needed.

Your HerScan results will include a screening category that helps communicate what was identified and whether follow-up is recommended. These categories are not a breast cancer diagnosis or an indication of your individual likelihood of having cancer.

The most important step is to review your results, share them with your healthcare provider, and complete any recommended follow-up testing.

Have questions about your screening results? Visit our Understanding Your Results page to learn more about HerScan screening categories, why additional imaging may be recommended, and what your next steps could look like.

Questions later?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us—we’re here to help. Please note that HerScan does not provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.

Screening is personal. Our job is to make access as simple and respectful as possible, so you can take the next step on your terms. If there’s something we can do to make your visit easier, tell us—we’ll do our best to make it happen.