Breast Care Center At Swedish Medical Center

I have been going here for years. They were some of the first to switch to digital breast imaging, which they were proud to announce, had less radiation exposure. Recently, I received my letter of reminder. They are now offering «digital breast tomosynthesis (tomo/​3D)» for routine screenings. What they are not saying is that greatly increases your radiation exposure. In a time when the use of mammograms can barely be justified, Swedish has decided to push an even higher exposure procedure as routine! They now call their other procedure «conventional», which doesn’t explain what they are now actually doing if you decide you’d rather not have the tomo/​3D. If you call their number, there isn’t even an option to talk to anyone except to make an appointment. (And when you make an appointment, you have to pick which one you want.)
This is total nonsense. At this point, patients can’t possibly be said to have had informed consent to these procedures. Someone really needs to threaten them with a lawsuit. But I’m going somewhere else, where the folks aren’t trying to sell me on procedures which make them the most money and put my health at risk with unnecessary scans.

I’ve been having mammograms here for more than a decade, but will look for a new option next year. Although I liked my technician, there are three things really wrong with this place:
1. Christian music in the waiting room. Last year, it was literally blaring, and I asked them to turn it down. This year, I didn’t bother, just sat as far away as I possibly could from the radio. If the receptionists want to listen to this, they should have the radio behind the counter, and not inflict their choice of religious music on others.
2. Non-​validated parking. I used to be able to park on the street when they were in the original location. No more. It took 15 minutes to find a parking place in their densely crowded garage, then get up to the office. Yecch.
3. Their old address still comes up when you put «breast, Jefferson» in the search engine. So I actually went to the old place first – and they’d been gone for more than two years. I’m sure I’m not the only one!
YES, people are fairly friendly, and I did like my technician. But these three points are enough to lose this customer.

So it was time for the dreaded mammogram. The last place I went to used scare tactics to try to get me to come in every 6 months to alternate mammogram and MRI (my risk score is not that high per many other MDs). So I went in search of somewhere new. I had a little trouble finding this office in the actual Swedish Hospital (second floor of main building), but things went well once I was there. I had very little wait time, and the robe covered enough. The person who did my mammogram was very friendly and fast which is definitely what you want when your tender parts are being squished and pulled. It was much less painful than at the last place and I somehow felt less exposed. The whole thing was very efficient and I got my results mailed to me in a few days. Overall, a good experience.

I am 55 years old, and total fear kept me from having a mammogram for 6 years, I had my first at 29, and went every year, but then, I skipped 7 years, and then skipped 6, talk about an April Fool! My Mother had breast cancer at 65, it was slow growing, but still she had to have a year of chemo, and all that, I went this morning, and I had the most wonderful woman RUTH! She was an Angel to me! She knew I was scared, and treated me so sweetly and so gently too! I just adored her! She made sure she explained to me everything she was doing! She is your STAR Tech there! Especially if you are frightened, go see RUTH! My legs were so weak with fear, I could hardly stand, and she said she had a bad shoulder, so I got to sit in a seat! I was so happy! She was an absolute doll and in case she doesn’t get this, I am going to call on Monday and make sure they know how much I appreciated this sweet Woman!

I was nervous about having a mammogram. I realize it is an important part of women’s health and decided that I would try the mobile option provided by Swedish through my employer. It was a few blocks from my office and would cut down on how much time I’d have to be gone from work.
What a great experience! Okay, mammograms are not terribly fun. However, this was quick and easy. I left my office at 9:20am and was back by 10:10am. The scheduling was impeccable as were the two staff members that assisted me. I felt respected during my entire visit and had confidence in the technician.
After I was done, I was not surprised to get a call back. I needed to do the follow up at the 1101 Madison location. It’s a highly professional office that has their business line down to a science. From start to finish, timing was good, service was good, and again, it was as good of an experience that you can have under the circumstances. I felt that everyone was kind and respectful and catered to my needs. If you need to have your boobs squished like pancakes, this is the place to do it. That day, I received my results before I left and was liberated to enjoy the rest of my day.

Very quick appt every time I’ve been here. The person performing the mammogram is very sweet. I usually use this location for my yearly mammogram. The only disappointment is that you have to pay for parking. However, that is typical of any downtown location. It’s worth it to get in and out very quickly.

I had my first mammogram and breast ultrasound here due to an irregular mass found at my physical. The staff was very friendly and very nice which helped so much to calm my nerves. I couldn’t have asked for better care.
They were completely open with me and answered all of my questions, even the weird ones; they were very patient with me every time I pointed at something and asked «What’s that?». My results were given to me during my short appointment, not days later, and I received excellent care and counceling on my next steps. I was very happy to get results during my visit but I know that this is not typical and individual results will vary.
I highly recommend their considerate facilities here. You really are taken care of.

Nobody likes getting her boobs squished into pancakes (I don’t think), but it’s got to be done, and this is a great place.
The staff, nurses, and doctors are so so so nice and comforting, the rooms are private and definitely meant to induce relaxation and a sense of ease. In my experience, they’re also pretty fast!
They make what can be a very dreaded appointment turn into something that really wasn’t that bad at all!

Take breast health seriously!
I HIGHLY recommend Swedish Breast Care Centers for the most basic to the most complex concern of breast care. They utilize many diagnostic tools and have state-​of-​the-​art technology and imaging, highly trained staff and nurses, and excellent physicians. I’ve always been treated well and felt as if everyone from the reception desk to the doctors *truly cared* about my health.