Breast Imaging Services

Mammograms Reimagined. At Northwest Breast Imaging Center, we are redefining the experience by putting comfort and care first. From the moment patients walk in, they will be treated to a relaxing environment where robes replace traditional gowns, and privacy is of the utmost importance. With a dedicated team of compassionate professionals and state-of-the-art technology, we aim to provide the most comfortable and personalized breast imaging experience in North Idaho.

Whether you need a screening mammogram, diagnostic mammogram, a breast MRI, or a breast ultrasound, you can find it near you. If you’re ready to get screened and reduce your risk for breast cancer, schedule your mammogram at Northwest Breast Imaging Center today.

Mammograms reimagined in Post Falls

Our mission at Northwest Breast Imaging Center is to help you prevent breast cancer and enhance your wellness. We offer a complete range of imaging services, including 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis), delivered by a team of technologists and radiologists who specialize in breast health.

Why choose Northwest Imaging Center?

Leading-edge diagnostic technology. Our center includes the latest in breast health imaging equipment, including two 3D mammogram machines. A 3D mammogram takes multiple images, then combines them into a 3D reconstruction of the breast, helping doctors to find small abnormalities that traditional mammograms may miss. A 3D mammogram is also ideal for women with dense breast tissue.

A one-of-a-kind breast imaging experience. At Northwest Breast Imaging Center, we will answer your questions, help you feel at ease, and provide you with an efficient imaging experience. Plus, Northwest Breast Imaging Center is part of Northwest Specialty Hospital, which ranks among the top 10% in the U.S. for patient satisfaction.

Expertise in breast imaging and breast surgery. Our breast imaging team dedicates 100% of its time to breast health. We have three fellowship-trained radiologists on staff who specialize in mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. This level of expertise allows us to deliver more accurate diagnoses. Should a screening test find a non-cancerous lesion or breast cancer, we can also help you navigate the next steps in your care.

Will insurance cover my imaging scan?

Many breast imaging tests, including mammograms, breast ultrasounds and breast MRI, are covered by insurance. In addition, Northwest Breast Imaging Center accepts most major insurance plans, so your exam may be covered. But we encourage you to verify insurance coverage with your health plan.

Who should get regular breast cancer screening?

The Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue every year until age 80. Women at higher risk for breast cancer, which may include a family history of breast cancer or presence of genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, should consider alternating between a mammogram and breast MRI once every six months. If you have questions about whether you need to start or continue breast cancer screening, talk with your provider.

Types of breast imaging services available in North Idaho

Women in all of North Idaho, including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Athol, Sandpoint and Kellogg, can now find breast imaging care close to home, right here in Kootenai County. Northwest Breast Imaging Center offers a full spectrum of breast health imaging services. Our services include:

Screening mammograms

Regular screening mammograms can help find cancer when it’s small and in its most curable form. During your screening mammogram, a technologist will take multiple images of your breast. The test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. After your appointment, a radiologist will review the images and look for any potential signs of breast cancer. The radiologist will then send the results to your referring physician, who will review the results with you.

At Northwest Breast Imaging Center, we use 3D mammography, which delivers low doses of radiation. In addition, 3D mammograms can detect the size, shape and location of abnormalities, including lesions in women with dense breast tissue. This state-of-the-art technology reduces the need for follow-up imaging and leads to fewer biopsies.

Diagnostic mammograms

If your screening mammogram detects an abnormality, or if it was inconclusive, your provider may schedule you for a diagnostic mammogram. You also should ask your provider to schedule a diagnostic mammogram if you find any abnormality—such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge—during a breast self-exam. Diagnostic mammograms may include a mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound. During your diagnostic mammogram, your technologist will take additional images of your breast to learn more about your breast health. You should set aside at least one hour for your diagnostic mammogram. You will receive results at the completion of your exam.

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Breast MRI is an advanced imaging technique that captures detailed images of breast tissue. Instead of using radiation, breast MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce more precise images. Your provider may order a breast MRI if you’re at high risk for breast cancer, if an earlier mammogram or ultrasound detected abnormalities, or to stage breast cancer and monitor the progress of your treatment.

Breast ultrasound

During a breast ultrasound, a technologist will use a handheld device that uses sound waves to take images of your breast. Your provider may order a breast ultrasound to evaluate breast lumps or other abnormalities. You also may receive a breast ultrasound if you have dense breast tissue. Breast ultrasound does not use radiation, making it an extremely safe and effective test. Our team at Northwest Breast Imaging Center includes fellowship-trained radiologists with special expertise in breast ultrasound.

MRI biopsy

During an MRI-guided breast biopsy, a patient lies face down while an MRI machine takes detailed images of the breast. This helps doctors find the exact location of any abnormality or calcifications. Once the target area is identified, a radiologist inserts a thin needle into the breast to remove small tissue samples, using MRI for guidance and accuracy.

Stereotactic biopsy

If your diagnostic mammogram finds an abnormality, your provider may order a stereotactic biopsy. During this procedure, a patient will lay on their stomach while a radiologist uses a needle to collect a small sample of breast tissue that will be sent to a lab for analysis. This analysis will determine whether the tissue is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Ultrasound biopsy

During an ultrasound biopsy, a patient will lay on their back while a radiologist uses ultrasound to guide the needle to a specific area of the breast where an abnormality has been detected. Ultrasound biopsy is a safe and effective way to obtain a tissue sample and diagnose or rule out breast cancer.

Preparing for your breast imaging test

A little preparation can help ensure you have the most comfortable breast imaging experience possible. Consider scheduling your mammogram about a week after your period, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. And be sure to let your technologist know if you’ve experienced any changes since your last mammogram, such as new lumps or pain.

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