Whole Breast Ultrasound (WBUS)

Exam Description

Whole Breast Ultrasound is a comfortable, non-ionizing examination of the breast(s) recommended for women with dense breasts. The scan can help diagnose breast abnormalities not detected in conventional and/or 3D Mammography.

How Do I Get Ready for My Exam?

• No preparation is necessary for your WBUS exam.
• Please wear comfortable clothes (ideally without metal) and leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
• Please call the number below if you have any questions regarding your exam.
  • (805) 681-7671

What Should I Do After Arriving for My Exam?

• Please check in at main registration and then check in at Radiology registration.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment for registration purposes.

What Should I Expect During My Exam?

• The technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.
• Your WBUS procedure requires you to lay down flat on your back on the scanning table.
• The technologist will place a wide field-of-view transducer on your chest while you are lying down.
• There is compression applied during this exam for optimal image quality. If the compression causes any discomfort, you should communicate with the technologist, and they will do their best to make you more comfortable without compromising the exam. 
• WBUS produces a 3-D image that can see through dense breast tissue to help assess areas that the radiologist was not able to fully assess on your mammogram due to dense breast tissue.
• The exam will take approximately 25 minutes.

What Do I Do After My Scan?

• There are no dietary of physical restrictions following your WBUS scan.
• The images of your scan will be examined by a radiologist and the results will be sent to your referring physician.
• Your referring physician will review the results with you.
• You can request copies of your images on a CD-ROM or your report, by calling (805) 692-6435.

What is the cost of Whole Breast Ultrasound?

• The out of pocket cost depends on your insurance plan conditions.
• Sansum clinic provides a $300 cash price option for patients who are uninsured, out-of-network, or opt to pay cash and not have their insurance billed.
• Currently, the following insurance carriers provide coverage for ABUS:
  • CenCal
  • Medicare
  • All Blue Cross Carriers
  • United Health Care HMO/PPO
• Please inform the scheduling representative if you prefer to take advantage of our cash price option rather than having your insurance billed.

SCHEDULING INFORMATION:

Please call (805) 681-7671 option #3 to schedule your scan.