Mammogram Cost

Women from age 20 are recommended to undergo mammogram every three years. For women who are aged 40 and above, medical professionals recommend this procedure yearly. This is a medical procedure using X-rays to determine cancer and other complications early on. Breast cancer detection at an early stage can help a lot in avoiding the worst to happen in line with this type of cancer. Read on and find out how much a mammogram will cost you.

Typical Cost Of A Mammogram

The typical cost of a mammogram is $80 to $300.

Included In The Price Of A Mammogram

This price includes the procedure where a technician places the breast in between two plastic plates so that a clear X-ray is taken. This usually lasts around 20 minutes.

Consider These Factors

  • Health insurance.  Most insurance plans cover full or partial expenses in line with a mammogram procedure because most states require companies to do so. Some insurance plans will only have you pay $10 to $35 for a mammogram.
  • Facility of treatment. The state or city where the facility of treatment is located will affect the overall cost of mammogram.
  • Time of year. Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a lot of hospitals and medical facilities offer discounted mammogram procedures. Other charitable institutions even offer free mammogram for underprivileged women.

Additional Costs

  • MRI. For women who have a high risk of getting breast cancer, they are recommended to get an MRI yearly as well on top of getting a mammogram.
  • Follow-up tests. In cases when irregularities are found, follow-up testing is required. Follow-up testing may include another mammogram and biopsy. Eight to 10 percent of those who submit to mammogram are required to undergo biopsy.

Tips Before You Decide To Go For A Mammogra.

If you have health insurance, make sure to contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage.

Make sure to get safe and reliable mammograms from trusted practitioners only. High quality mammograms can usually be found in breast clinics, mobile vans, private radiology offices, hospital radiology departments, and doctors' offices. One way to determine whether a facility offers a good quality mammogram or not is through FDA certification. You can use FDA's Mammography Facility Database to look for high quality facilities that are approved by the FDA and the American College of Radiology.

If you are uninsured or on a low income, you can obtain a free or cheap mammogram through the help of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in coordination with the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Check out this link to find out if you are eligible for a free or low-cost screening. You can also find a local screening program near you here.

Know more about mammogram and breast cancer at the National Cancer Institute.