Center for Women's Health - Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee

Hours of Service and Scheduling
To schedule a test or procedure, once you have received an order from a physician, you may call central scheduling at (414) 326-1800, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Digital Mammograms
Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday (one Saturday a month)
8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Ultrasounds
Monday through Friday
7:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Breast Health Center

State-of-the-Art Technology
Columbia St. Mary’s has been a pioneering force in bringing the latest services and technology for women to Milwaukee. As the first Breast Health Centers in southeastern Wisconsin to offer stereotactic needle core biopsy, and Contour mammography units, we have continued a tradition of providing state-of-the-art technology at Columbia St. Mary’s.

Highly Trained Staff
The staff at the Center specialize in women’s procedures, and each person is given individualized, compassionate care. The Center’s experienced staff members include board certified radiologists, registered technologists, and a Breast Health Clinician – a registered nurse with a background in cancer care.

Diagnostic and Wellness Services
The Columbia St. Mary’s Breast Health Centers are equipped with the latest technology to provide breast imaging and related services for women on an outpatient basis. Breast Health Clinicians are available for individual education, support, and peace of mind. All Breast imaging services are fully accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

Mammograms
Screening, diagnostic and digital mammograms are provided. Mammograms are performed using Contour mammography units, which allow for greater comfort and provide a more comprehensive mammogram. This is the only mammography equipment that complies with requirement established by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Stereotactic Needle Core Biopsy Procedures
Needle breast biopsies may be performed in the Women’s Center including the state-of-the-art Stereotactic needle core biopsy. These procedures are less painful than surgery, virtually eliminate scarring and allow patients to resume daily activities more quickly.

Breast Localizations
This procedure involves the use of mammography, ultrasound, or stereotactic units. A breast localization allows the radiologist to mark the precise location of the abnormal area for the surgeon.

Education and Support
Education and support materials are available on all procedures performed at the Center, as well as information on women’s health and wellness.

Programs for Low Income and Uninsured
Please call for questions on qualifications.

Ultrasound
Our experienced staff, which include sonographers who have earned The American Registry for Diagnostic Sonographer’s credentials, offer a variety of diagnostic services. These include abdominal, breast, obstetrical, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound.

Preparation for Ultrasound Exams
Please be sure to bring a copy of your physician order with you, as you will not be permitted to have your exam performed without it.

• Register in outpatient registration at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You will be given directions to our center at that time.
• If you are having a pelvic ultrasound, you must drink 24 ounces of liquid, preferably water or another non-carbonated beverage, one hour prior to your exam. Do not empty your bladder until asked to do so by your sonographer.
• If you are scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound, please do not have anything to eat or drink from midnight the evening before, until the time of your exam. Take routine or required medication with a small amount of water, if necessary.

What to Expect
All exams are approximately 45 minutes in length. We may reschedule your appointment if you do not arrive on time or are not properly prepared. This will only be done to eliminate inconveniencing other patients and their care.

• Although we realize that the obstetrical ultrasounds are family bonding experiences, please make arrangements to have another adult supervising young children.
• These exams are medical exams and guests may be asked to remain in the waiting room temporarily until the sonographer has acquired the diagnostic information.
• At that time, family and friends are encouraged and welcome to observe and participate in the sonogram.
• We request that our patients not bring video cameras and our equipment does not include VCR capabilities; however, all patients are provided with still pictures upon your request.
• Our facility at the Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee Campus is an accredited teaching program for sonography students. Students under supervision of a registered sonographer may be observing or performing your exam. Please voice any personal concerns you may have prior to your ultrasound.
• The ultrasound procedure begins by placing a small amount of gel on the skin’s surface to aid in the transmission of sound waves. A probe, called a transducer, is chosen and placed on the skin. For transvaginal ultrasound, the probe is placed in the vaginal canal. The sonographer takes the appropriate images and films are checked with our radiologist. Results of your ultrasound can be obtained from your ordering physician. There may be circumstances in which our radiologist would consult with our patients, but it would be under the guidelines that your ordering physician has determined. Please be aware that our sonographers are not responsible for giving our patients the results of any medical exam.
• If you have a latex allergy, please notify any of our staff before your exam.
• We are concerned primarily with performing a reliable and quality diagnostic exam and we are committed to making your experience as pleasant as possible.

Support Groups