Search over 600 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings

CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > Mammogram

Mammogram Cost

How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?

low cost With Insurance coverage: No charge or co-pay
low cost Without Insurance: $80-$212

Related Topics:

Pap Test

Colonoscopy

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Flu Shot

>> All Articles for Health & Personal Care

   cost separator
 
A mammogram is a breast X-ray used for early detection of breast cancer. It is recommended yearly starting at age 40. A clinical breast examination, in which a doctor or nurse examines the breast for lumps or irregularities, is recommended once every three years starting at age 20, then once a year at age 40 and up.
 
Typical costs:
  • For an uninsured patient, typical full-price cost of a mammogram ranges from $80 to $120 or more, with an average of about $102, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Some providers charge more, and some offer an uninsured discount. For example, at the Kapiolani Medical Center in Aiea, Hawaii, where the full price is about $212, an uninsured patient would pay about $127 to $148.
  • Mammograms usually are covered by health insurance for women in the recommended age bracket. Many states require health insurance companies to cover regular mammograms, usually after age 40. The National Women's Law Center offers a state-by-state chart.
  • For women covered by health insurance, some plans require no out-of-pocket expenses, while others charge a co-pay, generally between $10 and $35.
  • A clinical breast exam is much less expensive, and usually is included as part of a general or gynecological check-up.
What should be included:
  • The mammogram technician places the breast between two plastic plates, which compress the breast tissue so a clear X-ray can be taken. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
  • The American Cancer Society offers a primer on early detection of breast cancer. Only two to four of every 1,000 women who undergo a mammogram end up receiving a diagnosis of cancer.
  • In a clinical breast exam, the doctor or nurse manually checks the breasts, lymph nodes and nipples for any palpable irregularities.
Additional costs:
  • Women at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a known breast cancer gene mutation, should consider getting an MRI each year in addition to a mammogram, according to the American Cancer Society.
  • If an irregularity is found, more testing or follow-up testing might be required. About 10 percent of women who have a mammogram require more tests, usually just another mammogram. However, about 8 to 10 percent do require a biopsy.
Discounts:
  • During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some community or women's groups offer free or very low-cost mammograms, sometimes using a mobile clinic. To find a program, call the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Care Helpline at 1-800 I'M AWARE (1-800-462-9273). Or contact the YWCA's ENCOREplus program any time for a referral for a free or low-cost mammogram.
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find a program in your area that offers low-cost or free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women who qualify.
Shopping for a mammogram:
  • If you have health insurance, consult with your general practitioner or gynecologist to get a mammogram and/or a clinical breast exam.
  • Otherwise, check with your local Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliate to get more information on planned screening events. Or, call your local health department or use the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.'s online search feature to find a local clinic.
  • For mammorgrams, the American Cancer Society recommends using a facility that performs many mammograms each day, and is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to perform mammograms.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated March 2008
Was this article helpful?  yes  no digg this Digg this delicious del.icio.us post E-mail post Post

Recent Posts
Amount: $553.00 cost of mammogram
Posted by: Tricia in Dahlonega, GA.Purchased: 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Imaging Center of DawsonvilleInsurance Carrier: BC/BS
Type of Policy: PPo
My insurance company has a high deductible and I have to pay for my mammogram. I was under the impression that they cost about $200.00 but I was billed $553.00. Is this too high?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $785.00 Cost of Mammagram
Posted by: Jen4402 in Minneapolis, MN.Purchased: July, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: FairviewInsurance Carrier: Preferred One
Type of Policy: PPO
I just got my bill for my mammagram on 7/22/08. My portion of the bill was $191, but the total charges were $785. I am outraged that they feel this is a reasonable fee. I\'m not so sure I\'ll have one every year at this price. I\'d be better off to have been uninsured.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $2,599.00 Mammogram Costs MUCH higher
Posted by: Poor in New Jersey in Parsippany, NJ.Purchased: August, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: St Claire's Imaging CenterInsurance Carrier: Beech Street
Type of Policy: PPO
I read websites like this thinking I was getting a mammo for around $200. What this estimate fails to take into account is the fact that, if a mammo is done in a hospital, the hospital will charge you as an outpatient IN ADDITION to th cost charged by the radiologist. On top of thet, my screening mammo was abnormal, so here are my total costs for this nightmare:
Hospital Costs
$490.00 for baseline screening
$1,817.00 for follow up mammo and ultrasoung
PLUS...
Radiologist charges
103.00 baseline screening
185.00 ultrasound
107.00 follow up mammo
Yes, both the radiologist and the hospital charge you for the same exact services - WHAT A SCAM.
My crappy insurance covered half of this, so I am left with a bill for $1,200 dollars. No wonder so many women are dying. If I had known that it would cost this much I would have skipped the screening.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $523.00 too much for service (mammogram)
Posted by: A cuser in GA in Americus, GA.Purchased: November, 2008
i had a mammogram done they did the routine baseline exam. my insurance paid $127 leaving me a total of $523. this i think is too much. the fact that mamagement is being audit in this hospital.a lot of the medical doctors are leaving and God is cleaning house.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $433.00 Cost of Mammogram
Posted by: Citizen in Colorado in Longmont, CO.Purchased: October, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: United Hospital LongmontInsurance Carrier: United Health
Type of Policy: PPO
My insurace only cover 97.00 so I have to pay the balance.
Is the cost information provided by this webpage up to date or accurate? I would like to know where can I get a mammogran test for $80 to $120?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $704.00 Cost of Mammogram Idaho
Posted by: TooMuchForMammogram in Boise, ID.Purchased: March, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: St. Lukes Breast ImagingInsurance Carrier: Primary Health
Type of Policy: PPO
Mammogram (St.Lukes) $187.32 --> to deductible
Mammogram (Radiologist) $104.00 --> to deductible
Ultrasound (St.Lukes) $271.32 --> to deductible
Ultrasound (Radiologist) $126.00 --> to deductible
Misc (Radiologist) $15.00 --> to deductible
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $713.00 Costs MUCH higher than expected
Posted by: CrazyCostsinCA in Manahattan Beach, CA.Purchased: February, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Torrance Memorial Medical CenterInsurance Carrier: Guardian PPO
Type of Policy: PPO
Health care costs seemed to have ZOOMED even more out of countrol. This facility charged my insurance carrier $202 in 2008, $713 in 2009 for the same procedure at the same facility. This represents approx. 350% increase in 1 year. My out-of-pocket is $250 - more than the entire procedure cost last year.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $667.00 Cost of a mammogram in 2009
Posted by: a user in Salt Lake City, UT.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: LDS HospitalInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross Blue Sheild
Type of Policy: PPO
And, my insurance is only covering $200-something. So I owe the rest. Husband is out of work, not sure how I can pay this, and health care providers wonder WHY we don't have preventative procedures done? I won't be getting another one, that's for sure.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $79,380.00 Cost of my Mammogram
Posted by: A dissatisfied customer in Auburn WA in Auburn, WA.Purchased: April, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Breast Diagnostic CentersInsurance Carrier: Regence Blue Sheild
Type of Policy: PPO
I too had a Mammogram done and it came back suspect so they did an ultra sound and found nothing as I knew they would. My insurance only paid a portion of the bill and I was stuck paying an additional 204.96. What an outrage! Just like all the others that have posted comments...I am not going to be so quick to have another any time soon! And they wonder why women won't go yearly!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 free or $600 or ???
Posted by: disgusted in WA in Camano Island, WA.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: Alliant Plus - Group Health
A Group Health representative previously told me that I'd need to pay a $30 copay plus 40% of the contracted fee. My Dr. referred me to Providence Breast Center in Everett, WA. I called them to find out that their fees would be $500-600. I called Group Health again to find out what their contracted fee would be, and this time a representative told me that mammograms were free. So after spending quite awhile canvasing my literature, waiting on hold, and talking with various people, I still have no real idea how much it will cost. I DO know, however, that the last time I had one, the first round was free but they called me back for additional images and that cost me several hundred dollars -- and I didn't have "catastrophic-only" insurance then. I think it's all a scam. I'm not at all encouraged to go through any of it again.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $250.00 Mammogram
Posted by: The Green Forest in Kirkland, WA.Purchased: July, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Evergreen Medical HospitalInsurance Carrier: Mega Life
Type of Policy: group
My wife had a mammogram two years ago and our insurance completely paid for the $340 procedure. We just got a bill for $250, and the total cost for the four X rays is $521! That is a 70% increase in
just two years. Inflation during the period is only 7%, and real wages have gone up only 7 percent too, in a recession. What is going on?

Folks, we need to protest this. I will. Our nation will soon be bankrupt from all this.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $179.00 Hoping for what I was quoted
Posted by: AC in Calhoun, GA.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Summitt Radiology, Gordon HospitalInsurance Carrier:
I have an appointment next week for a mammogram and as a self-paying client, I was quoted $179 on the phone and told that it would be less than that if I tell them I am self-pay. Another facility in Dalton quoted me $195. So after reading the comments, I am keeping my fingers crossed that there won't be any surprise charges.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,021.00 Cost
Posted by: -- in SLC, UT.Purchased: June, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: UtahInsurance Carrier: Cigna
Initial appt w/ gyn for referral - $91
Digital Mammo: 476
Ultrasound: 249
Radiologist to read mammo: 75
Follow up w/ specialized surgeon for another opinion: 130
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 Cost of Mammogram
Posted by: D in D in Dallas, TX.Purchased: July, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Methodist Charlton DallasInsurance Carrier: First Health
Cost in 2009 $358.00
Cost in 2008 $200.00 same place.
Reason, new digital machine.
Don't know yet what the insurance wil pay.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $500.00 too expensive
Posted by: very upset of my 1st routine check in harwich, MA.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: fontaine medical centerInsurance Carrier: bluecross
im young and this was my 1st check in my life. i took test 1/27 and i got this bill now 09/2009
why do i have to pay 500$ i called here and there to straight out the story is he say she say and im trapped in middle.idk where to ask and where to get help anymore.ridiculous. im afraid to go next yr one around corner to get this kinda bill again
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $741.51 What's wrong in this country?
Posted by: Tomomi T in Bayonne, NJ.Purchased: August, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Bayonne Meidical HospitalInsurance Carrier: BCBS
Type of Policy: HMO
$741.51 for the bill?? It's just Mammography. Unbelieable...! I could have all cancer screenings with CT/MRI for $500 in Japan. Again, why do we pay taxes for?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $6,686.70 my cost beat you all!!!!
Posted by: Val Petro in Monterey, CA.Purchased: October, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Community Hospital of Monterey PeninsulaInsurance Carrier: Medicare
Type of Policy: government
I have Medicare primary and Anthem secondary as we are on Cobra now due to no work for my husband. I received a notice called "This is not a Bill" from the Hospital which runs the mammogram center. Outrageous, don't you think? And the hospital cries poor all the time!!! You ought to see it. It is like a country club for all the rich people from Pebble Beach, Carmel, etc. But we get good care. Just really have to pay through the nose for it. Our private insurance is from our Carpenters Trust Fund so there is an important attention paid in costs as it is really "OUR" money. Disgusted with fees these days.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $374.00 Cost of my mammogram is a rip off
Posted by: pat52 in Ellenwood, GA.Purchased: October, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Metro Surgical AssociatesInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare
Type of Policy: ppo
I didn\'t pay anything but a $25.00 co-pay last year. This year, I paid my $25.00 co-pay and just got a bill for $135.43. The total bill is $ 334.00 What the hell is this? I can\'t believe it. It looks like my insurance company paid only $37. 19. I live in Georgia and this is outrageous.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $945.00 Mammogram Conspiracy
Posted by: Sorry I Bothered! in Kirkland,, WA.Purchased: October, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Evergreen Medical CenterInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross BS
My doctor ordered a yearly mammogram. Because I had some discomfort in one breast, the hospital outpatient center that I was sent to REQUIRED me to have a "diagnostic mammogram". What is a regular mammogram, if not diagnostic? Why is it that if the results of a mammogram are not conclusive, an ultrasound has to be done? The ultrasound must be a better test! It certainly doesn't squeeze your breasts into a vice, and it is a much faster test. Hmmm... Could it be that this is a way for hospital outpatient centers to make more money on the poor, frightened consumer?? It is a scam that I won't be a part of next time. I will just have a mammogram when it is offered at my grocery store!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


Post About Your Experience With a Mammogram
 
Subject:  * Amount Spent:  *
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: 
Type of Policy:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.