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Comparing Different Breast Exams
* These images were created for viewing at 800 by 600 resolution
on a 16-inch monitor. They will appear larger or smaller depending upon display size and resolution. However, the
relative size of the detected tumor will remain consistent.
How Much Does a Screening Mammogram Cost?
Screening mammography is a relatively low cost procedure. The average cost for
screening mammography in the U.S. is about $100. Depending on a woman's health coverage
program, there may be little or no "out of pocket cost" for screening
mammography. Diagnostic mammography, which is often
performed if an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram, is more involved and
time-consuming than screening mammography. Thus, diagnostic mammography is more expensive
than screening mammography.
On January 1, 1998, the U.S. Congress expanded coverage for screening mammograms for
Medicare beneficiaries 40 years of age and older. Donna E. Shalala, U.S. Secretary of
Health and Human Services, reported that it is no longer necessary for Medicare
beneficiaries to pay the annual deductible for screening mammograms (or Pap smears, pelvic exams or clinical breast exams). Previously, there was a small
Medicare deductible of approximately $25 for screening mammography. Women younger than 40
who also have supplemental insurance such as Medigap or Medicaid may also have no
out-of-pocket costs for screening mammography. Women are encouraged to call the Medicare
Hotline at 1.800.638.6833 for questions on Medicare coverage of mammography.
Women who cannot afford the cost of annual screening mammography have a number of
options:
- Determine whether they qualify for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early
Detection Program, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC program
covers the cost of annual screening mammograms and Pap smears for low-income women who do
not have health insurance. To learn more about the CDC program, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm
- Contact the American Cancer Society (ACS) at 1.800.ACS.2345. The ACS maintains a list of
facilities that offer free or reduced cost mammograms to eligible women. The American
Cancer Society website is available at http://www.cancer.org/
- Make an appointment for a mammogram at a participating facility on National Mammography
Day. Each year, the third Friday of October is designated National
Mammography Day by the American College of Radiology. On this day, many facilities
offer free or reduced cost mammograms.
Additional Resources on Mammography
Imaginis provides several resources on screening and diagnostic mammography to help
women understand all aspects of the exams. Follow one of the links below for additional
information on mammography:
Updated: July 2007
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