University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Breast Clinic

Overview
What's different about the care offered at this clinic?
How does this clinic work?
What specialists participate in this clinic?
Is the care I receive coordinated with the care I receive from my regular physician?
For Additional Information / To Make An Appointment

Overview

The University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Breast Clinic is a division of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center.

It was established in 1992 by Dr. David Mahvi (Department of Surgery), Dr. James Stewart (Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology) and Dr. Judith Stitt (Department of Human Oncology, Radiation Oncology). Diagnosis and treatment of breast tumors have become more complex as we learn more and as technology improves. The Comprehensive Breast Clinic brings together a team of specialists in a single location to offer state-of-the-art breast care, conveniently tailored to each patient.

What's different about the care offered at this clinic?

The complexity of diagnosing and treating breast problems has resulted in increased medical specialization. Consequently, a patient with a breast concern may be referred to several caregivers, sometimes in different locations and on different days. To some degree, the patient is required to weave a variety of recommendations together to make decisions.

The Comprehensive Breast clinic brings the specialists to you, in a single location. The specialists work as a team and reach consensus on appropriate next steps, if any. You are involved in the discussion and can address your questions to the whole team. You get consistent answers on the spot, which can eliminate confusion and saves time and legwork.

How does this clinic work?

When you schedule your appointment, our staff will determine which services you will need and will tailor your appointment accordingly. Your care team will consist of as few or as many specialists as are necessary for your problem. All team members will be present for your examination, so each specialist (and you) will have the benefit of hearing the other specialists' observations and conclusions and you will not need to schedule multiple examinations. You will receive separate bills for the services of the physicians on the team and for the use of the clinic itself.

What specialists participate in this clinic?

Again, the team will be tailored to your situation. If you have a suspicious lump, for example, or an established diagnosis, we may structure a team which includes a surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, nurse practitioner, mammographer (radiologist), plastic surgeon and a pathologist. Conversely, you may only see one member of the team.

Is the care I receive coordinated with the care I receive from my regular physician?

It is our goal to work closely with your family physician, who knows you best, or any other care givers you indicate. We will review any previous mammograms or existing biopsy results as part of our comprehensive approach and will make every effort to avoid duplication of tests. We don't intend to replace your regular physician. We see our care team as an added level of assurance that your breast problem is evaluated, and, if necessary, treated as comprehensively as possible with the most current resources and knowledge available.

For Additional Information / To Make An Appointment

For more information about the UW Comprehensive Breast Clinic or to make an appointment, contact:

Comprehensive Breast Clinic
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
F4/2 Clinical Science Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792-7375
Appointments:
(608) 263-7502 or (800) 323-8942

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General Surgery University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery
First published: 07/15/02 Last updated: 11/23/09 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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