Bucktown Radiology

I went in for a chest X-​ray and the service was very quick. The front desk staff and X-​ray tech were very friendly, professional and they made the experience very easy. This location is very convenient to the blue line and they have free parking.

Full disclosure– I’m speaking of an experience there from 2010 and so changes may have occurred for better or worse in the interim.
I went there for my one and only mammogram because their schedule was open and it is near my neighborhood.
pros: convenient, nearly empty so no wait, covered by my insurance
cons: the technician*, test came back «inconclusive» and so would need to be redone
I think for any procedure, the demeanor of the technician really makes or breaks the experience. My technician was rushed, unfriendly and inept.
She seemed very put out to have to do the procedure and huffed and puffed while adjusting the machine as if she was in a race (the office was nearly empty). She went through the procedure and then sent me off to dress. While i was dressing, she called to me to come back because it had to be done over. At an even faster pace, she adjusted the machine and took the x-​ray — BUT FORGOT TO PLACE THE LEAD APRON ON ME. I realized it the second after she stepped out and hit the button. It happened really fast. So yeah, i was radiated in spots you’re not supposed to ever be radiated. I didn’t know what to say since you can’t go back in time.
The x-​rays were sent in to my Internist and it said «inconclusive». My doc said, it just means that the films didn’t come out right and that i should have it done again.
I think the moral of the story is– if you have a bad vibe from your technician– just leave. Don’t waste your time or risk your health.

I discovered Northwestern’s Bucktown Radiology facility after being informed by the Lynn Sage operator that their next appointment for a screening mammogram was in November — I was calling in June! When I balked at the wait, the operator suggested this facility as an alternative. I asked to be transferred and got an appointment in August, much better, and my impression only improved from there. This small facility is on North Ave just east of Milwaukee, with parking right in front for those who drive, and has a very friendly, efficient staff that takes care of you PDQ. I was in and out in 20 minutes — completely unbelievable.
This year I didn’t even bother with Lynn Sage, I just scheduled my appointment here, and again fantastic service, taken promptly and done in no time. They are on-​line to the main hospital and pulled up my prior images with no problem, techs are friendly, everything is clean, and best of all you avoid the «big hospital» feel which for most people is very intimidating. If you live in the city and don’t mind coming a bit further north you really can’t beat this option. And when you’re done having whatever test you need there are plenty of yummy restaurants right in the neighborhood — so go ahead and treat yourself!

Usually I review restaurants but wanted to drop a note about this place.
If you have to get a MRI, this is a good place to get it. It’s clean, they have their own little parking lot and, most importantly, the staff is really personable. I was nervous and the staff kept me calm by continuously letting me know what to expect and what was going on. They even let me have a dry run just to make sure I was ok with everything. Extra blankets? No problem!
The place isn’t fancy and doesn’t look like a spa but I’d still come back if I had to get another MRI (let’s hope not!).