Screening Guidelines
Early breast cancer detection saves thousands of lives each year. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for finding breast cancer early in women without symptoms:

• Breast awareness and breast self-exam
  At age 20, women should begin breast self-exams (BSE). Regular BSEs help you know what’s normal for your breasts. Any changes in how your breasts look or feel should be reported to your health practitioner.
• Clinical breast exam
  Women 20-40 should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) every three years.
• Mammogram
  Women 40 or older should have a mammogram every year as well as a CBE shortly before the mammogram.

Note: If family history puts you at an increased risk of breast cancer, consult your doctor about the best prevention and screening approach. Earlier mammograms, extra tests or more frequent exams may be recommended.

Make-An-Appointment Guidelines
Call your doctor right away if you notice:

• A lump or swelling
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Discharge (other than breast milk)

When Making An Appointment
When making an appointment, please have the following handy:

• Your insurance card
• Date of birth and social security number
• E-mail address (if available) and an emergency phone number
• Special needs list for your appointment (interpreter, etc.)

First Appointment Preparation
Before your appointment, please mail or fax the following medical information to us. This information is critical in completing your evaluation:

• Medical records*
• Phone number of clinic from which medical records came
• Scans and lab results
• Medications list (along with dosage and frequency)
• Drug allergies list

*If you are a patient at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview or its clinics, your records are in our system and you do not need to obtain copies.

Insurance Filing Information and Patient Referral
Please bring your insurance card to every appointment. Copays, according to your insurance plan, are due at the time of service. If your health coverage requires a referral for medical services, please obtain the referral in advance.

Post-Appointment Notes
Billing
Following your appointment, you will receive two billing statements: One from University of Minnesota Physicians (physician billing) and the other from University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview (facilities billing).

Prescriptions
New prescriptions usually require an office visit. A convenient outpatient pharmacy is located in our clinic building. To renew existing prescriptions, please call your pharmacy.

Questions Regarding Your Care

• Life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
• After-hours emergencies, call the hospital operator at 612-273-3000