Breast MRI Screening

Preventative screening is an important part of women’s health to ensure women are their healthiest during all stages of life. Bellin Health is committed to offering these opportunities for women to ensure quality, experience, and affordability.

Bellin is proud to offer Abbreviated Breast MRI (AB-MRI) Screening, the most sensitive screening tool for women with dense breasts, who are at average or higher risk of developing breast cancer, at a low cash cost. Dense breast tissue is known to limit the sensitivity of screening mammography. MRI is a better screening tool for women with dense breast tissue, but it is not currently covered under insurance.

Patients Who Qualify

Women with dense breasts and women at an average or higher risk of developing breast cancer are eligible for this screening.

Cost of Screening

This screening is currently available at a low cash cost of $350.

Scheduling Process

Women will be referred for an AB-MRI screening by the Breast Radiologist after the completion of their mammogram. The patient will receive a dense breast letter along with information that includes how to contact the Breast Patient Navigator, to discuss further.

The Breast Patient Navigator will reach out to the ordering provider letting them know their patient qualifies for the Breast Screening MRI and that they are interested in having the AB-MRI. Bellin’s MRI department will schedule the patient.

After completion of the AB-MRI, the Breast Patient Navigator will guide the patient through the next steps, depending on the results. The primary care physician will be notified by the Breast Patient Navigator of the next steps, which may involve genetic testing, surgical consult, or biopsy.

Access and Availability

Bellin will be offering AB-MRI Screening during specific times, three days a week.

Please note:

  • There is no immediate need for this scan, as it is a screening.
  • Screening should and can be completed yearly.
  • Patients can be scheduled months out for their screening.

What to Expect

  • Patients will be scheduled for the next available appointment for Breast MRI Screening.
  • Pre-Registration staff will complete the MRI Safety Screening Form to ensure the patient is able to have an MRI.
  • Patients will arrive for an MRI and pay the fee prior to the service.
  • A technologist will start the IV and explain the procedure to the patient.
  • The patient will then be brought back to the MRI suite:
    • Patient will lie on their stomach for the exam
    • The technologist will connect the contrast injector
    • The technologist will then complete the MRI, which will be approximately 10 minutes
    • The technologist will remove the IV, take the patient back to change, and the patient will then be free to go
    • The Breast Patient Navigator will reach out to the patient with results and next steps within 24-48 hours.
    • Any abnormal studies that need additional workup will be handled by the Breast Patient Navigator

Contact

For more information, contact an AB-MRI Navigator at (920) 445-7014

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I have an AB-MRI?
A: You can have an AB-MRI yearly.

Q: Can AB-MRI replace my Mammogram?
A: No. AB-MRI is a secondary screening tool for women with dense breasts. It is not to replace your mammogram. In order to get scheduled for an AB-MRI, you need to have a mammogram within the last year.

Q:  How will I get my results?
A:  The MR Breast Navigator will call you with results 24-48 hours after your scan. Results will also be sent to your MyBellinHealth account.

Q: Can you submit this to my insurance?
A: No. This is a cash-cost service only. You are welcome to submit your receipt to any medical reimbursement plans if you would like to.

Q:  If my scan is abnormal, will any additional imaging, procedures, or surgical consult be submitted to my insurance?
A: Yes. If you have an abnormal study, any further imaging will be submitted and pre-authorized through your insurance.

Q:  Will I get an IV started and get contrast?
A:  Yes. The technologist will start an IV prior to the exam and contrast will be administered halfway through the exam. You NEED to have contrast. Contrast is a key component with breast imaging.