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Department of Health and Human Services
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast.
A mammogram can find breast cancer that is too small for you, your doctor or nurse to feel during regular physical breast exams. If you find breast cancer early, it is easier to treat.
Cancer can show up at any time - so one mammogram is not enough. A screening mammogram is done when you and your doctor think your breasts are completely healthy. It is important to return for a screening mammogram every two years if you are 65 or older.
You will stand in front of a machine. The person who takes the x-rays will place your breast between two plastic plates. The plates will press your breast and make it flat. This may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it helps to get a clear picture. You will have x-rays taken of one breast at a time. It takes only a few seconds to have a breast x-ray.
Most hospitals, clinics, and imaging (x-ray centers perform mammograms. In addition, mobile units (vans) often screen at shopping malls, community centers and offices. To lawfully perform either screening or diagnostic mammograms, a facility must be certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must display its FDA certificate. If you don't know where to go in your area, ask your doctor or your local hospital to help you find a certified mammogram facility. If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), contact your primary care doctor.
Medicare covers screening mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. You do not need a doctor's order to get a screening mammogram. For women age 65 and older, Medicare covers one screening mammogram every two years. For women who are younger than age 65 and are covered by Medicare, the age and risk of the patient determine how often screening mammograms should be done. Medicare does not cover screenings for owmen under age 35. Medicare covers diagnostic mammograms when you show any sign of breast disease. If you are on Medicare, diagnostic mammograms are covered when your doctor orders them, no matter what your age.
Assuming you have met your Medicare Part B deductible, your out of posket cost should be less than $25.00. If you have supplemental insurance such as a Medigap policy or Medicaid, you may have no out of pocket costs. If you belong to an HMO, the only cost to you is your plan's co-payment, which should be $10.00 or less.
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) (Breast cancer/mammograms)
1-800-638-6833 |