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A diagnostic mammogram investigates a breast symptom or an abnormal screening result. It often includes extra views and may be followed by an ultrasound the same day.
Also called: Breast lump X-ray, Diagnostic breast imaging, Follow-up mammogram, Bilateral mammogram
Find a clinic for your diagnostic mammogram
33 clinics offer bulk billing for mammography — eligibility varies
Where to get a diagnostic mammogram
34 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer mammography.
Clinics for a diagnostic mammogram on Radly
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What is a diagnostic mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is used when there is something to check, such as a lump, breast pain in one spot, nipple discharge, skin changes, or a call-back after screening. It starts with the standard views and adds extra ones focused on the area of concern.
Extra views may include spot compression, which presses a smaller area to spread out the tissue, and magnified views to look closely at calcium specks. A radiologist often reviews the images while you are still at the clinic.
Mammograms and ultrasound complement each other, particularly in younger women and dense breasts, so a breast ultrasound is commonly done at the same appointment.
Why your doctor might request a diagnostic mammogram
- A breast lump or thickening
- Nipple discharge, inversion or skin changes
- Follow-up after an abnormal screening result
- Monitoring after breast cancer treatment
- Breast changes in men
Diagnostic mammogram: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your diagnostic mammogram
- Avoid deodorant, talc and creams on your chest and underarms.
- Wear a two-piece outfit.
- Bring previous breast imaging and reports for comparison.
- Tell the staff if you have implants, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Allow extra time in case an ultrasound is added.
How long it takes: About 30–60 minutes, longer if an ultrasound is added
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A diagnostic mammogram needs a referral from your GP or specialist to attract a Medicare rebate. Billing varies between clinics, and the clinic confirms it when it confirms your request. If you have been called back by BreastScreen, the follow-up is usually arranged through BreastScreen's assessment service.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your diagnostic mammogram and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Diagnostic mammogram FAQs
What's the difference between a screening and a diagnostic mammogram?
Screening is a routine check without symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram investigates a specific concern and usually involves extra views and a radiologist review.
Will I have an ultrasound as well?
Often, yes. Ultrasound helps show whether a lump is a cyst or solid, and many clinics do both at the same visit.
I'm under 40 with a lump. Will I have a mammogram?
Ultrasound is often the first test for younger women, with a mammogram added if needed. Your doctor and the radiologist decide.
How do I book a diagnostic mammogram online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Mammography as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a diagnostic mammogram?
Appointments for mammography are usually 2–7 days, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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Helpful guides
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