Recommend your radiology practice for breast health

[Anonymous]

I have to break up with Washington Radiology, their scheduling has become unbelievably frustrating. And now multiple attempts to get a copy of my records has reaffirmed that I don't want anything to do with them anymore.

So I'm on the hunt for a good place for regular diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds due to prior history. Inova? VHC? GW? Somewhere else? Northern VA or DC preferred.

[Anonymous]

The Johns Hopkins facility at Suburban/Sibley is great. Tons of online scheduling options too.

[Anonymous]

Completely agree. Use Sibley. Aside from being comfortable and humane, if they detect anything you are already in the Sibley eco system for a quick biopsy and first opinion (if needed).

[Anonymous]

Bay Radiology in Annapolis. The radiologist is worth the drive.

[Anonymous]

I have had the best luck with Inova and Fairfax radiology. Sibley was a disaster for me.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax Radiology has been fine for me in the past.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Completely agree. Use Sibley. Aside from being comfortable and humane, if they detect anything you are already in the Sibley eco system for a quick biopsy and first opinion (if needed).

I agree with this - that you want to do your breast health screenings in an ecosystem where you can move quickly from screening to biopsy to treatment options. So, doing screening in a hospital system makes sense. But, it should be a place where the medical and surgical oncological practice is good. For this reason, I would recommend against Medstar -- loved their ultrasound, MRI and mammogram services, but had bad experiences with medical and surgical oncology and plastics. Plus, the admin side of Medstar - portal, IT, scheduling, nurse navigators - was complete chaos that negatively impacted my experience and treatment.

I've transferred my care to Sibley which seems much better. I was surprised by this - I thought Medstar Georgetown would be as good as JHU, but not so IME.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have had the best luck with Inova and Fairfax radiology. Sibley was a disaster for me.

Fairfax is great

[Anonymous]

For what it’s worth, I’ve had a very good experience at MedStar Georgetown - positive experiences across the board of radiology, medical and surgical oncology and plastics. My experience has felt caring and responsive.

[Anonymous]

After a friend went through breast cancer treatment at Georgetown with high recommendations, I switched to them and have used them for years.

[Anonymous]

Advanced Radiology, several locations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Completely agree. Use Sibley. Aside from being comfortable and humane, if they detect anything you are already in the Sibley eco system for a quick biopsy and first opinion (if needed).

I agree with this - that you want to do your breast health screenings in an ecosystem where you can move quickly from screening to biopsy to treatment options. So, doing screening in a hospital system makes sense. But, it should be a place where the medical and surgical oncological practice is good. For this reason, I would recommend against Medstar -- loved their ultrasound, MRI and mammogram services, but had bad experiences with medical and surgical oncology and plastics. Plus, the admin side of Medstar - portal, IT, scheduling, nurse navigators - was complete chaos that negatively impacted my experience and treatment.

I've transferred my care to Sibley which seems much better. I was surprised by this - I thought Medstar Georgetown would be as good as JHU, but not so IME.

NP. Can you please share what specifically you didn’t like about GT oncology? I just had my surgery there and med/radiation oncology will be the next steps. Thx.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax Radiology has been fine for me in the past.

+1. It’s far for me, but they are much better than the sh** show that is Washington Radiology.

[Anonymous]

I’m high risk for BC and followed very closely. My doctor orders breast ultrasounds for me sometimes without a mammogram.

Spent yesterday arguing with Fairfax Radiology about scheduling the appointment. Scheduler wanted me to also have a mammogram- had one in August and didn't need it. She was questioning my orders so much, asking why my doctor would do that. Finally had to get short with her, saying she needed to call the doctor with her concerns. Otherwise, please schedule my appt. This was after 35 min wait on hold just to schedule.

I showed up at one of their locations and waited 2 hrs before they took me because they couldn’t handle a breast ultrasound without a mammogram. I’ve not had great experience at Fairfax Radiology for some of my unique breast imaging tests.

[Anonymous]

Gt doesn't even pick up the phone. took 6 months and 6-8 phone calls to get an appointment. Can't just do it online.
Referral had to be faxed in. My referral wasn't signed and that was a problem to them. My doctor argued that it doesn't have to be.
I had to go back to my doctor to get a new referral.
While I was there, someone walked in and insisted on making an appointment in person.
One of the computers stopped working while I was there. Took them 45 minutes to get me into another room with a working computer.
At the end, they still didn't know what they were looking at. Have to go back every 6 months. I haven't.