Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why would I be scheduled for a regular mammogram after completing treatment 7 months ago? Shouldn’t it always be a diagnostic mammogram?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭

NP scheduled regular mammogram, it came back abnormal, she said she scheduled that because not all insurance pays for diagnostic mammogram. I then had to wait 3 weeks for 3d mammogram and it concluded all was fine. Why after having breast cancer would she not schedule me for diagnostic?

October 2
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

RLittle.
It's good news that the 3D mamogram came back normal.
However, I too am curious about the NP not scheduling a diagnostic imaging.
Her answer that "not all insurance " pays for diagnostic is not a good enough reason. Unless she specifically knew for fact that "your insurance carrier" did not cover diagnostic then basing your imaging on generalities is inappropriate.
I had a diagnostic 6 months post radiation. I then had an ultrasound as I had some pain the breast about a month later. I see my Oncologist next week and I still want to insist on MRI in between as I have dense tissue.

October 3
MyBCTeam

That sounds incredibly frustrating — especially having to wait 3 weeks in that kind of uncertainty. Your concern is completely valid, and honestly, many people in your situation feel the same way.

Here's the thing: after a breast cancer diagnosis, a diagnostic mammogram is generally the more appropriate choice. It takes more Show Full Answer

That sounds incredibly frustrating — especially having to wait 3 weeks in that kind of uncertainty. Your concern is completely valid, and honestly, many people in your situation feel the same way.

Here's the thing: after a breast cancer diagnosis, a diagnostic mammogram is generally the more appropriate choice. It takes more detailed images from multiple angles, a radiologist reviews results right away, and you often get answers before leaving. A screening mammogram is typically for people with average risk and no prior history. The insurance issue your NP raised is a real barrier many people face. Some insurers classify diagnostic mammograms differently, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs or coverage denials — which is a frustrating gap in the system.

Here's what might help going forward:

- Talk directly with your care team about documenting your breast cancer history so future imaging is coded correctly for insurance
- Ask your insurer whether diagnostic mammograms are covered given your history
- Request a referral specifically for diagnostic imaging at your next appointment

You deserve timely, thorough follow-up care — don't hesitate to advocate for that.

October 2
A MyBCTeam Member

I had diagnostic mammogram 6 months after completing chemo, surgery and radiation. It was normal, then I had annual screening mammograms after that.

October 2

Related Questions

View All

Why doesn't insurance cover annual mammograms once you've had BC?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Burlington, VT
April 11, 2021

Why Can’t You Wear Deodorant to a Mammogram?
The Most Common Reasons You’re Recalled After a Mammogram
Difference Between a Mammogram and a Clinical Exam