Providence Breast Center

This place has really gone downhill since they moved to the building across the way. So impersonal and very cattle-​call like. The woman who checks you in talks so fast, you can barely understand what she is saying. She never makes eye contact with you and she just rushes you through.
Who decided that giving patients beepers to notify them it’s time to ‘go upstairs’, was a good idea?!? This isn’t a restaurant. Really bad and the constant beeping of these things is unnerving — especially when you are anxious about the procedure you are about to have.
When you go upstairs, it gets worse. I was told to change in a dressing room but was not given any further instructions — where to put my belongings, where to go after — nothing. I figured that the lockers at the end of the hall were for my belongings, so I proceeded to put my stuff in a locker. The locker would not lock, tried a second locker — the key would not turn — tried a third one, it finally worked after some key giggling. I see chairs in a row in this hallway outside the dressing rooms — I guess I’m supposed to sit here until called?
The procedure itself has not changed — nothing to say about that.
I have been getting my mammograms here for 10 years, I am going to find a new facility.

I wish I’d checked Unilocal before I went for my mammogram to Providence Breast Health Center.
I went in April 2015.
Here’s my experience.
Facility: Brand new, bright and airy, temporary lobby 1^st floor, operations on 2^nd floor
Customer service — zilch (I give them a big fat ZERO) for when you check in and at in-​take of patient information /​paper signing. Here’s why.
1. Very rude at check in. When I walked up to the gal at check in, she looked up at me glumly, pointed behind me and told me to check in at a table with a bunch of balloons. I went back to her after I signed in and she just sort of waived me away and to sit down. That was the beginning of a series of bad vibes.
2. The gal that did the in take, was another glum one who called out my first name (when she’d called out for the previous patients by their last name). She made NO eye contact and looked elsewhere in a very disinterested boring way. She mispronunced my first name which I’m not surprised or upset at but I nicely corrected her. However, in the next sentence, she mispronounced it again, which I decided at that point to just let it go as not a big deal. I then was directed to sit down in front a table and asked to sign papers. Her mannerism was that of an unhappy person as if she was put upon by her job. The table had no knee space and very little surface space, so I was sitting in an awkward position. I finally got a little annoyed and mentioned how awkward and tight the space was. And her answer was «Well, that’s all we have and this is the setup». I was by that time, pretty fed up with her dour personality and shocked at her answer. So I thought for a moment and finally said in a very firm voice, «This is unacceptable». Then it was at that point, that she offered me a clipboard, reluctantly, I might add, which by that time I was almost done with the paperwork, so I declined. By the way, I don’t care if the setup that they were currently under was temporary. What’s important is the demeanor and lack of sincere interest in providing service.
I managed to get both gals names before I left to report it to management. The first gal was the ones that gave me the names and she asked if there was a problem and I told her there most certainly was about their attitudes. It was at that point, that she suddenly changed the tone of her voice and became sweet.
As to the actual mammogram operations personnel — they were fabulous. They were courteous, efficient and the mammogram was very gentle (surprised to learn that contrary to what they do at Kaiser, they do not need to compress you to the point of putting you in agony). I did have to ask for a thoracic shield (I wanted to protect my thyroid glands from radiation) I got a little bit of resistance because they told me that the dosage would be within guidelines, but I still didn’t care, as I’m all about better safe than sorry, so they were happy to oblige.
As to the report I received in the mail. That’s another thing. It’s a canned letter that raised some questions. It prompted me to call the facility, when I find out later, I did not have to call at all because of their failure to include that bit of info in the letter that could have saved me the trouble of calling in the first place. The place is a circus from the gal who took my call at the «mammogram records» department to her supervisor — both of whom play helpless and are not interested in improving things or taking suggestions for future improvement. The gal that took my call first failed to listen and made assumptions and then said something inappropriate which set me off for which she finally hung up on me. True, I should not have raised my voice at her. However, she then refused to take any of my calls after that — you could tell she was just letting them roll to voice message. Spoke to her supervisor, who obviously failed to comprehend and she just decided to pass me on to the Director. Director never returned the call.
I’ve pretty much decided that management is the problem there. The attitudes and incompetency are a reflection of management. It is such a stark contrast with Kaiser Permanente which I was with prior to this year. While Kaiser has an old reputation of not being a great place. I will tell you that, Kaiser, has successfully trained their staff, at all levels, to be be welcoming, cheerful, accommodating, polite and very professional in how they interact with patience, within their staff and how they handle situations. So I know it can be done.
This place earned one star, which can be translated in to a big fat F. Yes, even though the mammogram operations staff were really good, how I’ve been treated and the incompetence that I’ve described is enough to justify my lack of confidence that things will improve any time soon in the future, because of management weakness. Strong management would not hire and retain people who have the audacity to behave in the way descr

Several years ago when I had breast cancer, I had issues with this facility and currently I have had a similar issue. After having my provider dropped by Providence, I called and received a phone number to call for medical records and left a voice mail stating I needed my records sent to a new facility which turns out to be next door. I received a voice mail back stating I needed to fax a release for the records. I called back and left a voice mail saying I didn’t have a fax could I email a release request. This going back and forth was over two or three days. Finally when they called back I was given an email address which turned out to be a wrong address. Meanwhile, I had to change my mammogram appointment to accommodate the two to five business days it will take to send the records next door! On Thursday before my appointment on Monday I get a call from the new facility claiming they have not received my records. I call Providence, leave a voice mail and get a call on Friday and I am told my records will be at the new facility on Monday. I go to my appointment and I am told they had received a cover page that the records were sent but nothing had uploaded. It turns out the Medical Records Dept. at Providence had not been told that the other facility had changed their software system three months prior although the other facility said they did so. This has all been frustrating and nerve wracking. I am so glad now I no longer have to deal with them anymore!!!

First of all, they’re at 201 S Buena Vista, not 501. Went in today for my very first mammogram and was terrified based on 1) not knowing what the experience would be like except for second-​hand stories and 2) the abysmal reviews I read of this place. I’m happy to report that whatever issues the reviewers had, whether real or imagined, simply do not exist. There was plenty of free 2-​hour street parking. While not exactly a day spa, the ambiance was not cold and clinical. The entire staff was friendly and the technician was sweet and explained everything without being condescending. The procedure itself, while not pleasurable, was not at all painful (I have plenty to work with so I can’t say how the experience would be for a much less endowed woman). I would recommend the center to anyone looking for a place to have a mammogram.

Parking is $ 1 every 15 minutes. Then you have to walk a quarter mile to get to the office building. Then the mammography center DOES NOT HAVE BLINDS. So you’re sitting there with your boobs hanging out of this tiny gown with no shades. Yeah it’s on the 2^nd floor but there is a building right next door and you can see right into the next building’s windows. They say the windows are tinted and no one can see in. Regardless, I was highly uncomfortable in this office. Then got hit with a $ 6 charge for parking. SKIP THIS PLACE! Go someplace else.

I have been coming to this mammo center for 7 years and have been treated with dignity, respect and care. I’m saddened by some of the remarks. I can honestly say that with my downgrade in insurance coverage, I won’t get the same care I’m used to by this clinic. I hope every woman that reads this at least gets a mammo test yearly, it’s your health that matters most, wherever you go. But I can say without any qualms, this clinic does offer incredible care.

This place is great, and it’s where I’ve gotten my mammograms for several years now. It’s fairly easy to get into, although the new parking garage can be a nightmare sometimes. Look for street parking if you can find it. The scheduling department is pretty easy, check in is easy, and the staff is very kind. I’ve always gotten in and out in a fairly quick manner, I don’t have to wait long, like at some of the other places I’ve gone. The décor is pleasant. I have only good things to say, and would recommend it to my friends.

Had my mammogram this last weekend. This place is very efficient and well run. I have been coming here for many years and love the fact that they have Saturday hours as well.

Yeah if you want to pay full price for student care
My last exam here was performed by a student, who dropped the pressure plate from about a one foot height and was uncaring when I cried out in pain.
I’ve updated my Ob/​Gyn, who will no longer be referring patients here, as this isn’t the first complaint she’s gotten on this place.
I’ve never had good service at St Joes, including the ER where, in 2012, I was left alone on a table with a dislocated hip and NO pain medication for 45 minutes because there was no doctor. I am looking forward to writing the State Medical board about this shiny moneymill that has no staff. Shame on you.

Run far away from this place and do it fast! I went in for my first mammogram and I was so nervous. At first, I found the staff to be kind and patient.
When I started to check in, the front desk staff person started to comment, out loud, about my insurance. As we were talking, she started to advise me on the type of insurance I should get. Quite frankly, none of this is her concern and I found it extremely unprofessional. I was so nervous for my appointment, I forgot to turn in another insurance card and that turned into a big mess. She told me that it was my responsibility to know my insurance and she was not able to reverse any charges to my account and credit card? It was a very embarrassing situation and I really felt that I was at the mercy of this place. I started to get really upset and got in touch with my husband and he told me to leave right away. Once I told the front desk staff that I was going to leave, she immediately changed her demeanor.
When I went in for the actual mammogram, the technician commented on my breasts. Ewww, completely creepy. Come to find out after going somewhere else, she gave me false information about my mammogram. Wtf?!
I was so angry after being treated so poorly that I started calling the manager and other management staff within their neighboring hospital. I hardly received an adequate response.
The Providence Breast Center should really step up their professionalism. My doctor referred me here and told me that they were great. I trust my doctor and had high hopes for this Breast Center but their lack of professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity leave much to be desired. Their management is even less compassionate and have no sense of customer service.

As most reviewers say, the competence of the technicians and the radiologists reading the films is what matters more than anything. I can echo every complaint that everyone else has made. You would think that a «breast health» center would have compassion in abundance, but no such luck. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I am NEVER cheerful about the anticipation of my next mammogram. Remember nylons, where you were always looking for a run? Sooner or later you find one. You can imagine how I felt when a radiologist told me that I needed a biopsy about two years out from treatment. She insisted that, while it «might» be scar tissue, she’d never seen scar tissue appear this long after treatment, so it was likely that I had a recurrence right in the same location. As the needle went into my breast, silent tears fell. I knew this was the beginning of the end for me. I buried my partner of 33 years, three years after her first recurrence, so I know the drill and I know how the story ends. I waited and I waited and I waited for the results, which cannot be given to anyone but your doctor, which in itself makes no sense. I drove my doctors CRAZY with my phone calls. TWO WEEKS of waiting. Finally, I called the nurse who initially discussed the procedure with me. Faux compassion to the max, right down, to «call me any time,» except when I did, she bit my head off. The results had been sent a full week prior — to FOUR incorrect doctors!!! Let’s not even talk about the HIPAA violation of sending my medical test results to Dr. «Mary Mosher» rather than «Michael» Mosher, and so on. It turned out that it was, in fact, scar tissue. Do they have a CLUE as to how I felt by the time two weeks had passed with no results? I do think that the techs and the radiologists are competent, so I’ve learned to endure the rest of it — the lost MD orders, the missing prior mammograms that no one can manage to find, etc. Last year, the radiologist came in, did not sit down, said her name, said «everything looks fine; see you next year,» and walked out. The friend I brought with me for support was APPALLED that the radiologist did not introduce herself and sit down to talk. Me, I’m so used to them, and I’m so grateful for another mammogram that’s clear, I just danced out the door on Cloud 9. And I see I’m scheduled for another mammogram tomorrow. Send good energy my way, people, please.

I’m not impressed.
Went 2 weeks ago for a mammogram. My doctor faxed over the request FIVE TIMES because this office kept saying that they didn’t receive it. The staff here made *ME* walk over to my doctor’s office to get the orders so that they could perform the mammogram. I was then told that I would be contacted in a week with the results (I’m going to assume that it would be via US mail like it was the past 2 times,) and that my doctor would also receive the results as well. It has been 2 weeks. I have not received the results, nor has my doctor. Trying to contact someone to give me an answer has not been easy. I finally heard back — their «system was down» so maybe that’s why i «didn’t receive an automated response.» I asked, can you send it to me again? COME ON!
Additionally, I will echo the complaint that other reviewers have said — that there was no notification about performing a routine, annual follow-​up exam. I did receive one the year after I got my initial mammogram, but not this year. I don’t understand the reason for this procedure, or lack thereof.
Was the staff nice, sure — that’s why they received 2 stars. They weren’t cold, and did explain the procedure, but the fact that they are incompetent at doing the core part of their job — and making ME do it for them, knocked them down 2 stars & the fact that they failed to contact me with my results is cause for another star being deducted.

Extremely long wait. Treated like cattle, herded with a group of other women to change and then wait in another area. If ultrasounds are needed, you are called back by a scheduler who cannot discuss your results. You wait yet again only to be seen by a tech person who will find the area of concern. The dr. comes in briefly looks at area says ok or not and then leaves. For pure diagnostic information to be sent to your doctor this place will provide that, just don’t expect anything more. Also they seem to recommend and try to scare you into more mammograms than are necessary.

After the technician was done taking my mammograms, she realized I was the wrong patient !!! How could she make such a big mistake? I had to retake another set of mammogram this time under my name. I was so furious!!! I did complain but who really cares, they didn’t get the extra dose of x-​rays. I will never go to this facility again!

I keep threatening to go somewhere else for my mammogram but haven’t done it. After this week’s visit, I vow to try somewhere else next time. While the wait time wasn’t bad, the treatment was impersonal at best. I don’t think the radiologist even looked at my chart so we had to revisit what should have been old news to him. I’m going to look for a place that treats me like a human being.

I’ve gone here for years because it’s convenient to my physician. I’ve never found an abundance of warmth and there were problems with long waits. Last year I was in and out pretty quickly so the lack of warm fuzzy wasn’t a big deal. I arrived today and despite my having been a patient there for years, the intake seemed to take a ridiculously long time and why would I be asked me religious preference as a precursor to a MAMMOGRAM??? The endless entry process was followed by a very long wait. The techician was spacey and introduced herself to me three different times. I was astounded that after being a patient for about a decade my records lacked a lot of critical information and I had to waste time providing information that should have been on file. The fact that there was no soap in the ladies room and that the gown I was given was covered with stains did very little to improve my confidence. Nothing like making something that’s not much fun way less fun.

Went for an annual mammogram this week after realizing I had not been since 2006!
Once I got there I told them that I was concerned about NOT getting a reminder to make an appointment for my annual exam. My contact information had not changed so I wondered if the reminders sent out were lost in the mail all these years.
Once I finished with my exam, I decided to make an appointment a year in advance. I once again told the staff person (different from the staff person at check-​in) that I had not received a reminder and asked what the possible reason could be for NOT getting one since my visit in 2006. THIS IS THE PART THAT IS DISTURBING: She told me that they send out reminders only ONCE and if you do respond, THEY ASSUME YOU DO NOT WANT TO COME BACK.
I find this VERY disturbing. The point of having a Breast Center is to provide women PREVENTIVE care right? Why is it okay to ASSUME that if A reminder is sent out and there is no response for several years that this person DOES NOT WANT TO COME BACK for an important exam like a mammogram?
This part of their operation needs to be reassessed. The Center should take the time to contact those women who have not been in for some time and ask if they have
1) gone to another center for their exam,
2) a need for financial help because they cannot afford an exam (there is paperwork at check-​in by the way that gives an option to apply for aid), and
3) to ask if they really do want to come back or not?
LASTLY, ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO COME IN EACH YEAR AT ANY COST. This is a health issue and they are in the business of providing health care!
Apart from this, my visit was quite pleasant despite the anxiety I had after not having gone since 2006. The staff were VERY friendly, courteous, and compassionate. The office has the latest equipment with up to date technology and is situated in an easy to find area in
Burbank (across the street from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center). I will continue to go there for my exams but have learned that I have to make the appointment one year in advance.

When you have to get a mammogram, breast ultrasound or needle biopsy, this is the place to go.
The building is bright and new. The waiting areas are pleasant and comfortable. The staff is very friendly and efficient, understanding and compassionate. The place has a nice vibe. It doesn’t feel like you’re in a hospital, but then, you aren’t. They get you in and out pretty quickly.
Plenty of parking in nearby structure. They don’t vaidate but it’s not expensive.
There’s also an excellent and super-​fast pharmacy on the first floor, and a very nice Urgent Care next door, and Providence St Joseph Hospital is across the street.
They’re also very good about sending reminders in the mail when it’s time for your next screening.