Prevention Consultation
What is a prevention Consultation?
Most women will have a prevention consultation prior to random fine needle aspiration or clinical trial participation. As a new patient, we will ask you to complete a personal health history form, a risk questionnaire, and a detailed family history form. We do require that you return these forms to us, by email, mail or fax at least one week prior to your appointment.During your prevention consultation, one of our three breast medical oncologists- Dr. Fabian, Dr. Kahn or Dr. Sharma will talk to you about your personal risk factors for breast cancer and your surveillance and prevention options. If you are coming only for genetic consulting and testing, you may only meet with a genetic counselor.
Because all women are individuals with their own unique risk factors and personal concerns, there are many screening and preventive options available. We may discuss topics including regular mammography and clinical breast exams, other breast imaging options, use of hormone replacement therapy, genetic testing, chemopreventive medicines, and prophylactic (preventive) surgery. At the end of your visit, we will share our recommendations for you and help you schedule any necessary appointments.
How much does a consultation cost?
The fee varies depending on the length of time we spend with you. Our fees are comparable to consultation fees for other medical specialties. Most insurance companies cover the entire cost of a prevention visit, although some do only cover a certain percentage. If your insurance company requires a referral to see a specialist, you must obtain this prior to your appointment. Any amount not covered by your insurance company is your responsibility. Annual or semi-annual mammograms are also the responsibility of you or your insurance company. If you participate in a clinical trial, we will tell you which services will be paid for by the trial and which services, if any, will be your financial responsibility.Follow-up preventive visits
For a woman who has already visited with us who wishes to continue coming to the Center, we may be able to provide the following services:
- Yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam
Discuss abnormal results from a diagnostic breast study or random fine needle aspiration- Discuss hormone replacement therapy or other options for menopausal symptom management
- Further discussion of prevention options, especially in light of changes in history that influence a woman’s risk
- Genetic counseling and testing, again especially in light of changes in family or personal history
- Evaluation of many types of breast problems
What if I can’t keep my appointment?
Please let us know as soon as possible. We have a long waiting list and if you are unable to make your appointment, we would like to put someone in your place. If you cancel more than once, we will assume your interest is minimal and may place your name farther down the waiting list.