Referral

You will need to bring a current referral for breast imaging from your GP or a specialist, including a request for: ± clinical examination ± mammogram/tomogram/contrast enhanced mammogram ± ultrasound ± FNA/Core biopsy. Medicare does not allow us to re-use referrals from any previous visits to SBC, but we can accept referrals that have been made to other imaging practices.

Previous images and results

Please bring any previous mammograms, ultrasounds and breast biopsy results you may have had at any other medical facility in the past five years. Bring both the reports and images if possible.

What to wear

We recommend that for your comfort you wear a two-piece outfit. Please do not use talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day of your visit, as these can interfere with the mammogram images. Roll-on deodorant can be used, but try to avoid the breast area. You are more than welcome to bring deodorant to apply after your mammogram.

Duration of your visit

The standard appointment time in the clinic is 2-4 hours, depending on how many tests you may require. As this is difficult to predict, we recommend that you keep your day as free as possible from other appointments. We also recommend you reach us by public transport, as parking in the city can be difficult.

Your results

All your breast imaging (mammogram and ultrasound) will be read on the day of your visit by a specialist breast radiologist. A breast physician or breast surgeon will discuss the results with you. As you will have a clinical examination and your mammogram and ultrasound will be reported and discussed with you while you are still at the clinic, the total time for your visit may be longer than if you had imaging at another centre.

Breast biopsies

If you require a breast biopsy, we offer fine-needle aspiration with same day results, and core biopsy with results within 2-5 working days. All breast biopsies are performed when our specialist breast pathologist is on site.

Fees

Depending on the complexity of your visit and whether you hold a Medicare, healthcare or veterans card, fees range between $130-$950 (extra fees apply for biopsies). The total fees are payable on the day, and the Medicare rebate is deposited into your nominated bank account with Medicare. Please see here for more details.

Rescheduling

If you would like to reschedule your appointment, please call us on 02 8251 4000 as soon as possible so that we may offer your appointment time to another patient. Cancellations must be advised by phone at least 24 hours before your appointment, otherwise a late cancellation / non-attendance fee may apply.