Breast biopsy procedures are mildly invasive and require an order from your physician. Biopsy procedures may also require pre-authorization from your insurance provider. A co-pay and/or deductible may apply. Please check with your health insurance provider regarding your specific plan benefits.
Most often, these studies involve prior imaging studies related to your diagnosis and/or treatment plan. We request that you obtain copies, or sign a release for us to obtain copies, of any previous related imaging studies and reports not performed with Vancouver Radiologists for us to use for comparison. We will do our best to coordinate your appointment to accommodate these requirements.
If one of the following procedures is recommended, you will receive a call from our office with additional information, and to answer your questions, a day or two before your procedure.
Be sure to tell a member of the health care team if you:
- have any known allergies
- have known liver disease, or bleeding problems
- take specific blood thinners, or other medications
- are pregnant or think you may be (stereotactic biopsy only)
- are needle phobic*
*Anti-anxiety (mild sedation) medication is available and requires additional observation time post procedure. Sedation requests require a driver upon discharge. If you arrive without a driver, your procedure may be rescheduled.
Procedure time from patient check in to exit can vary and is based on the exam ordered as well as the individual. As always, if you have questions or concerns before or after your procedure, please contact us and ask to speak to one of our Patient Navigators at (360) 254-4914.
A member of our health care team will review your clinical history and discuss the procedure with you prior to the examination. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your exam, please ask your technologist. The technologist will ensure the images taken are complete and accurate, before you leave the clinic; however please note, the technologist does not interpret the images.
In most cases, when fluid or tissue specimens are obtained during the procedure, they are sent the same day to Legacy Laboratory Services, unless noted otherwise. Please check with your health insurance provider regarding your specific plan benefits.
Our radiologist will review and interpret your images. Procedure and laboratory results will be communicated to your healthcare provider to discuss with you. If you have not been contacted with results within 72 hours, please contact your healthcare provider.