About Us2026-05-08T00:18:03-07:00

About

The Sono Center

Sono Center is a leading radiology facility in Pasadena and Los Angeles, CA, specializing in breast screening and the early detection of breast cancers that are most frequently missed with mammography. We’ve been providing women throughout the Los Angeles metro area the peace of mind they need so they can feel confident about their health and wellness. Established more than a decade ago as Breast Ultrasound Center by leading radiologist Dr. Kevin Kelly, the center uses the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology to detect cancerous lesions in their earliest and most treatable stages.

Clinical research (Kevin Kelly et. al., 2010) found breast cancer detection doubled using SonoCine AWBUS along with mammography. The number of detected invasive cancers 10 mm or less in size increased by 300% when AWBU findings were added to mammography.

Dr. Kelly was one of the first radiologists in Southern California to use ultrasound as a detection and diagnostic tool for breast cancer, working tirelessly to develop the technology. He created the SonoCine Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBUS) for accurate screening of women with dense tissue or breast implants. AWBUS was developed to detect the lesions that are most frequently missed with mammography, including small, invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue or implants.

The AWBUS technology is automated and standardized, which means it’s not reliant on the proficiency of the technician, and no radiation is used. The technology captures 100 percent of breast tissue, recording findings on video so they can be easily reviewed by the radiologist. In clinical trials, AWBUS was 300 percent more accurate than mammography at detecting invasive breast cancers that were one centimeter or less in diameter. Plus, AWBUS is convenient and pain-free – no compression of the breast tissue is involved.

Full logo for the sono center

Pasadena

960 E Green St #166
Pasadena, CA 91106

Contact

info@thesonocenter.com
Phone: (626) 381-9430
Fax: (626) 628-3617

Meet the Team

At The Sono Center

Edmond Ohanian, D.O.

Medical Director
Read Bio

Isabel Lopez

Sonographer
Read Bio

Terese Kulaga, RDMS

Sonographer
Read Bio

Looking to Join Our Team?

Are you interested in joining the team at the Sono Center to help support women with early breast cancer detection? Check out our open positions on Indeed, or send your resume to info@thesonocenter.com if you are interested to learn more about our career opportunities.

See Open Positions on Indeed
See Open Positions on Indeed
Young Black female doctor with stethoscope around neck
An older white woman and a young Black woman laughing and hugging

FAQs

Can I use my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) card to pay for SonoCine breast exam or other ultrasound services?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2024-01-02T12:59:47-08:00

Yes. Ultrasound reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Ultrasound is not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). Please contact your plan administrator to discuss eligibility further.

What age should I start breast cancer screening exams?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2023-06-30T08:54:02-07:00

New American College of Radiology® (ACR®) breast cancer screening guidelines now call for all women, particularly Black and Ashkenazi Jewish women, to have risk assessment by age 25 to determine if screening earlier than age 40 is needed. The ACR continues to recommend annual screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk, but earlier and more intensive screening for high-risk patients.

How does SonoCine compare with competing technology?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2023-07-18T08:50:27-07:00

Read about how SonoCine AWBUS compares.

Who performs the actual exam?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2023-06-30T09:02:42-07:00

One of our trained ultrasound technologists will guide you through the process and will perform the exam. Click here to learn more about our team.

Is there insurance reimbursement?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2023-06-30T09:04:42-07:00

Reimbursement will vary depending on the insurance carrier using CPT Code 76641 (ultrasound, breast, unilateral to include axilla when performed, complete) and charged for each breast. Visit SonoCine’s Reimbursement page to learn more.

What is the difference between SonoCine AWBUS and Mammography?admin@thesonocenter.com" rel="author">admin@thesonocenter.com2023-07-18T08:51:31-07:00

SonoCine is an ultrasound technology, uses no x-rays and has no radiation, has no painful compression, and reliably finds 4-10mm breast cancers in all breast tissue types and women with implants.

Mammography is an x-ray technology with painful compression, and misses 50% of the small, easily treatable cancers in women with dense breast tissue or implants.

Custom graphic of quotation marks inside light pink circle
“The Sono Center staff takes time and personal care and attention with each patient.”
Vikki F.
“The staff are terrific, and the facility is always clean and calm.”
Denise S.
“I feel safe and secure with this team.”
Tammy P.
“The entire center has a very clean, calming, aesthetic, private and respectful atmosphere.”
Michelle C.
“Having such a caring staff and doctor makes everything so much easier.”
Stacy S.

have a question? we would love to hear from you.

Skip to content