Aiello Breast Center at UM BWMC in Baltimore: Where to Get Dedicated Breast Imaging

Aiello Breast Center, located within the University of Maryland Medical Center's Breast and Gynecologic Oncology service line, is a diagnostic radiology practice focused exclusively on breast imaging. It sits within Baltimore's academic medical system and serves both screening and diagnostic populations, accepting insurance and self-pay patients for mammography, ultrasound, and advanced imaging studies.

What This Center Does

Aiello provides breast imaging across the spectrum from routine screening to complex diagnostic workups. The practice includes digital mammography (both 2D and 3D tomosynthesis), ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy services. Because it is housed within UM BWMC, imaging studies are read by radiologists with subspecialty training in breast pathology. Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days for screening studies and faster for diagnostic cases. The center is integrated with UM's broader oncology department, so if an imaging finding requires immediate clinical attention, coordination with surgeons and oncologists happens on-site.

Services and Pricing

The center offers screening mammography (both standard and 3D), diagnostic mammography for symptomatic patients, ultrasound, breast MRI for high-risk patients, and image-guided biopsies. Exact fees vary by insurance plan and procedure type. For uninsured patients, verify costs directly with the center's billing department; ballpark figures for a screening mammogram in Baltimore range from $200 to $350 out-of-pocket, while diagnostic mammography or ultrasound runs $250 to $400. 3D tomosynthesis, when added to mammography, typically adds $75 to $150. Breast MRI is significantly more expensive, generally $1,500 to $2,500, and often requires insurance authorization. All insurance plans accepted at UM BWMC are accepted here; this includes Medicare, most commercial plans, and Medicaid.

How It Compares to Other Baltimore Breast Imaging Centers

Baltimore has several breast imaging options. Mercy Medical Center operates an independent breast center with similar modalities; Sinai Hospital offers breast imaging through its radiology department; and private practices like some affiliated with Johns Hopkins also provide breast services. Aiello's primary advantage is its academic setting and integration with UM's surgical and oncology teams, which streamlines care if a finding requires biopsy or immediate surgical consultation on the same campus. The downside is UM BWMC's downtown location and parking challenges (lot parking is available but often congested); suburban centers like those at Sinai or Mercy may have easier access and free parking for patients driving from Baltimore County. Sinai also offers Saturday hours more frequently than Aiello. Choose Aiello if you value immediate multidisciplinary coordination or have UM insurance ties; choose a suburban option if you prioritize convenience and parking.

Who Benefits from Aiello and Who May Not

Aiello is well-suited for patients with complex imaging findings, those who want biopsy and surgical consultation in one visit, and anyone seeking subspecialty-level breast radiology reading. It also accommodates patients with limited mobility, since imaging and clinical care are coordinated vertically within the hospital system. It may be less appealing to patients seeking a quick, single-modality appointment or those who live in Baltimore County, where driving downtown and parking outweighs the benefit of academic affiliation. Patients seeking cosmetic breast consultation (not medical imaging) should go elsewhere.

What Your First Visit Will Look Like

Appointments are scheduled in advance; walk-ins are not accepted. For screening, arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and bring insurance cards and photo ID. Change into a hospital gown. Technologists will position you for mammography or ultrasound, which typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Results are mailed or provided through the patient portal; if the radiologist flags something requiring follow-up, the center may call you directly. For diagnostic or biopsy appointments, plan 30 to 60 minutes and arrive 20 minutes early; a radiologist may review your history with you before the procedure.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Aiello operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited Saturday hours (verify current availability). The center is located at UM BWMC, 22 South Greene Street, Downtown Baltimore. Parking is available in the hospital's garage and surface lots; garage parking is paid (rates subject to change; confirm at ummc.org). Street parking is limited. Public transportation via the MTA Red Line (Green Mount Ave stop) is a 10-minute walk. Appointment scheduling is available through the UM patient portal or by phone; call ahead if you have specific time-sensitive needs.

Aiello Breast Center fills a clear role for Baltimore patients who prioritize diagnostic precision and integrated care pathways over convenience and cost, making it the natural first choice for complex imaging or patients already within the UM system.