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    How much does a Mammogram cost?

    Posted by Ravi Sohal on Thu, Jun 04, 2009
      
      
      
      

    This post on the cost of Mammogram screening tests is one in a series of posts on helping consumers find real Radiology test prices. You can read other posts here: MRI scan, CT scan, Ultrasound, X-ray, PET scan

    mammogram picture mloGetting mammogram costs, what's included?

    Trying to get costs of nearly any Radiology test can be challenging. Even when you have the information, it's not always clear what exactly you're paying for. Does the price include the official Radiology report? Do films or a CD of the test cost extra? And what if you need additional images?

    Mammogram prices will vary from facility to facility

    Self-pay Mammogram prices can vary widely, even in the same town. Hospitals are generally more expensive and have less favorable cash fee schedules than outpatient imaging centers. Hospitals are also less likely to negotiate prices with you. Keep in mind though that there are fewer outpatient centers that now offer Mammogram tests so you may find in your area you are limited to a few choices and longer wait times. This of course limits competition and keeps prices high.

    Prices include images and some callbacks

    Screening mammograms usually include 2 views of each breast, though occasionally a few extra views are taken for some women during the initial exam. As the Radiologist reviews the initial set of films, he or she may ask for a "call back" for repeat or additional images. Repeats are done for motion, inadequate positioning, films with poor exposure, and artifacts or dust on the film. These repeat films are not charged extra.

    Some call backs for additional images are requested for clarifying a suspicious finding. In this case the views are usually magnified or spot views specific to the area the Radiologist would like to examine more carefully. At times, the call back may include an ultrasound of the breast. These call back films and tests are charged extra.

    The Radiology report is included

    Mammogram scan costs include the official Radiologist interpretation. This includes comparing to older Mammogram tests even if done at another hospital or imaging center. Your doctor receives a copy of the report.

    Mammogram films

    On occasion you'll be asked to take films of your Mammogram to your doctor to review. Most of the time you'll probably request copies be sent to another facility for comparison. You should not be charged for this service.

    The bottom line...

    Mammogram prices can vary widely depending on the exact test, number of views, your location and whether you choose to go to an outpatient facility or a hospital. Our research shows an average cost of about $100 for a mammogram study with prices ranging from $75 to over $200.

    How much did your mammogram cost? Please leave your comments below:

    Tags: ,

    COMMENTS

    Irecently had a mammomgarm. It had been 2years since my last and was really surprised to see that the cost had doubled over 750.00 
     
    I have a family history of breast cancer and I do have insurance but even the cost to the insurance copy is out of line the insurance does not pay the whole bill the have a usual & customary allowand they pay an amount is adjusted but there is still an amount for me to pay. Is is possible that it really cost that much for a mammongram

    posted @ Wednesday, September 02, 2009 5:50 PM by katie


    i really think its unfair, that a woman or man under the age off 55 yrs, have to pay such a large amount of money to have a mammogram,my mother had breast cancer 9 yrs ago, at the age of 51yrs.these days u hear alot of young men & woman having breast cancer, around the age of 18-40yrs old,now i think the system really needs to change as alot of young & older people don't have that kind of money.i would like to have a mammogram but i just cannot afford it,im 33yrs old & on a dsp pension.

    posted @ Tuesday, October 27, 2009 7:52 PM by Lisa


    I recently had a routine digital mammogram at a breast center and received an EOB that stated that the cost of the test was -- hold your horses -- $6,600! I'm not responsible for any part of that, but still... I was completely shocked. I believe the insurance paid for about $2,200 of that cost.

    posted @ Friday, February 26, 2010 11:19 AM by phyllis


    My mom got breast cancer at the age of 23. She asked for a mammogram when she was 21 because her mom had also gotten cancer at a young age and was turned away. I find it so frustrating that at 20 years old, I had to go thru 3 doctors and finally get a doctor to write a letter to my insurance company to get them to pay for my MRI... and now I am still getting charges from them. Why? Because two breasts = two scans? Is this right? They do them both at the same time, so why am I charged for two different copays?

    posted @ Monday, May 24, 2010 10:40 AM by Kelly


    I just checked the prices since I now have a 20% co-pay. St Mary's hospital in Milwaukee said it would be $230.00.

    posted @ Wednesday, August 04, 2010 2:14 PM by Maureen Carr


    I had a mammogram at Mt Carmel East Hospital and the scans cost $150 and the Radiologist to read them was an additional $121. I have no insurance.

    posted @ Sunday, October 17, 2010 8:19 PM by Hope


    my mum has just recieved the news that she has breast cancer,she is 63 years old.i went to the GP to ask for a scan for myself and was turned away.they will only scan me when there are symtoms, great !!!!!!!!!!!it might be too late by then

    posted @ Thursday, November 04, 2010 12:13 PM by katie ambler


    I am getting onr friday, I have Blue Cross Advantage that is connected with medicare, The cost for me out of pocket is ???

    posted @ Wednesday, February 16, 2011 1:03 PM by Martha Robbins


    Hi Martha, 
     
    You'll have to contact your insurance company to get the out of pocket cost - really depends on many factors such as your deductible, copay, contracted rates with local facilities, etc.

    posted @ Friday, February 18, 2011 2:45 PM by Ravi Sohal


    i had a mammogram 2 years ago and it cost over 800. i live in a small rural area and there's only 1 place for xrays and such and that's the local hospital. now i have to think twice now that i've found a lump. and i'm not even 50 yet. i can't imagine how people can afford to stay healthy or even be able to maintain preventative medical needs.

    posted @ Tuesday, April 19, 2011 1:49 PM by niki


    With Medicaid and Blue Cross PPO in place...a recent mammogram...with call back including 2nd Mammogram and then a sonogram (or something similar?) done at a satellite of a BC/BS "preferred" hospital the statement reflects a total cost of $1076...with my balance of $315...and also says it's "out-of network" 
    I'm 75, live mostly on SS...This seems out of line to me.

    posted @ Tuesday, April 26, 2011 1:26 PM by P.B.


    my girlfriend is suspected to have a breast cancer but i think this is a lot of money of which she can't afford to have a mammography test.i think this should be revised and make it easier and save people's life.

    posted @ Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:58 PM by Gasavan


    Was schedule to have ultra sound and one mammogram of one breast. After hospital told me it will cost about 500.00 I cancelled. I simply do not have the money...they keep urging us women to get tested but if this is the costs?... I'd rather just die

    posted @ Tuesday, August 23, 2011 2:16 AM by Emtee


    In October during Breast Cancer Awareness month, you can usually find women's fairs that provide low to no cost mammograms. I live in Indiana and in my sister's town, they're offering them FREE. In my town and neighboring town, digital mammograms are being offered this month for $49. I'm only 36 but wanted one after hearing that Giuliana Rancic was just diagnosed with breast CA at age 37. I'm glad I did, too, because the images "indicate further testing". I have to schedule yet, and it's probably benign, but just shows the importance of these tests...

    posted @ Saturday, October 22, 2011 10:14 PM by Lisa


    I went to my gynecologist for an annual pap smear and mammogram. She gave me the prescription for the mammogram which I had done and then got a bill for nearly $600! I live in FL where screenings are free according to state law. My incompetent doctor wrote the prescription as 'diagnostic' which makes the breast center think I have come in with a problem and bill it that way. I have fought and fought my insurance company and the breast center and provided my records that show I have never gone to the doctor for a breast problem nor do I currently have one, but Humana and the Breast center say "too bad, the diagnostic mammogram was performed and you are responsible for the bill". Any suggestions what I can do about the bill? I would never have gone had I know the cost up front. Has anyone ever tried negotiating down a medical bill after it was 1 year past due? I don't want this problem to screw up my credit score/rating. Supposedly medical bills are not suppose to apply to your credit score, but many years ago I found an unpaid medical bill on my credit report. Any comments are appreciated.

    posted @ Sunday, October 23, 2011 4:19 PM by Melony


    I recently had a mammogram in Santa Fe for a cost of $600. I have no history of breast cancer and have always had normal screenings. This is an increase of about $400 from two years ago when I had a mammogram in Philadelphia. Medicare allowance $0

    posted @ Saturday, November 05, 2011 5:54 PM by Paula Miller


    I just got a mammogram in Costa Rica at the most respected place here, and got the results from the most highly respected doctor at the facility. It took a total of about 30 minutes, cost me $100 ($30 is usual here) and walked out with a copy of my digital x-ray. This doctor received training at Mt. Sinai in the US, so he's qualified!

    posted @ Sunday, November 06, 2011 7:12 AM by Sharon


    I recently had a digital mammogram done in Michigan. My insurance company covered the cost as 'preventative care', so the $440 charged was covered. However, the radiologist called me back in two days later to 'double check one breast'. The hospital billed my insurance company for ANOTHER mammography which my insurance company would NOT cover. I was charged the reasonable-customary fee of $394. When I called both the insurance company and hospital to complain that this should have been included with the 'covered' procedure, I was told "well, you DID have another mammography". I was floored, and the next time, I WON'T return for a second look! I think this is a scam by the hospital to get more money!

    posted @ Monday, November 07, 2011 4:34 PM by Karen


    I had a mammogram 2 months ago. The charge was originally $888.00, and my insurance company negotiated it down to about $650.00, which I am responsible for. I was shocked. I will shop around for my next mammogram.

    posted @ Wednesday, November 23, 2011 6:37 AM by Toni


    I got a mammogram over 8 years ago. It was supposed to be fully covered and I got stuck with the bill. they wanted a followup and I couldn't afford it (more deductable)...so anyway 8 years later I get a letter from my insurance and co that I didn't get my preventative mammogram that's supposed to covered 100%. I went in and was told before we even started expect a call back since I hadn't been seen in over 8 years and they don't have anything to compare it to? I was furious, but thought well it was the same thing I was told 8 years ago when I had my last one. Anyway, (at 47 now) I had my screen mammogram and told both the provider and insurance I was only going because of the letter I received. It's been 3 weeks before I got any type of results and now they want to do a diagnostic mammogram on both breast (no spots or anything, just another complete mammogram). I was like 'what'? What about an ultrasound if something is supsicious as my insurance isn't going to cover TWO mammograms? I had asked them twice which breast, which area...all I was told a complete new one needed to be done and more images? Well, since insurance won't pay, I told my doctor who was informed by the mammogram people that I couldn't afford it out of pocket...have to wait for another screening mammogram. We women are being let down big time!

    posted @ Monday, January 16, 2012 8:11 PM by Jamie


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