How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?
Key takeaways:
Mammograms are an essential tool for the early detection of breast cancer in people of all genders.
Without insurance, the cost of a 2D screening mammogram can range from less than $200 to more than $300. More advanced scans typically cost more.
With insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses can vary based on your health plan, the type of imaging you need, and where the procedure is performed.
Mammogram costs can be a barrier to care. You may be able to access free or low-cost mammograms through programs and organizations in your area.
Table of contents
Mammograms are an important part of breast cancer screening. These tests can detect possible signs of breast cancer early so you can start treatment before cancer becomes too difficult to treat.
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for U.S. women after lung cancer. A woman born today has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Though rare, men can have breast cancer, too, which can also get picked up via mammogram. A man born today has a 1 in 800 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer during his lifetime.
Mammogram costs can vary depending on several factors, including:
Whether you have insurance
Your insurance plan, if you have one
Type of mammogram
Where you have the scan — outpatient imaging centers are generally less costly than hospitals
What are the different types of mammograms?
Mammograms involve taking X-ray images of each breast. There are different kinds of mammograms and breast imaging scans. Your healthcare professional may recommend one over another depending on your situation.
Screening mammograms vs. diagnostic mammograms
Screening mammograms are routine and check for breast tissue abnormalities in people who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Your healthcare professional may order diagnostic mammograms if a screening mammogram shows breast tissue abnormalities or you have potential breast cancer symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer include — but are not limited to:
Breast area pain
A lump in the breast or armpit area
Thickening of the skin of the breast
Changes in breast shape or size
Nipple discharge
People with breast implants may require a diagnostic mammogram for a better look at their breast tissue.
Diagnostic mammograms take longer since they take pictures of the breast tissue from several angles to provide more detail. Since more X-ray images are required during a diagnostic mammogram, the total radiation exposure is higher, but the total amount of radiation remains low.
2D mammograms vs. 3D mammograms
Screening and diagnostic mammograms provide either a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) view of the breast tissue. Another name for 3D mammograms is digital breast tomosynthesis or “tomo” — which takes 2D images and uses computer software to construct a 3D image.
A 3D mammogram can increase the level of radiation you receive, but it can provide better information than 2D mammograms.
Breast MRI scans
If you have a family history of breast cancer and are at high risk, your healthcare professional may order a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan instead of a regular mammogram. This type of breast cancer screening uses radio waves and strong magnets to produce a detailed image of the inside of the breast. It can detect some cancers that a mammogram may not.
Free and low-cost screenings: Most people with insurance have no costs for screening mammograms, but you may also have free or low-cost options if you’re uninsured.
Breast ultrasound: While mammograms are routinely used for screening, breast ultrasounds can be helpful for cancer diagnosis.
Does having a mammogram hurt?: Though not usually described as painful, mammograms are important X-rays that can be uncomfortable to experience.
How much does a mammogram cost?
The following are average cash prices (at the time of publication) for mammograms for people without insurance or those with insurance who choose to self-pay. All prices are from MDsave, a price-shopping tool for people without insurance and those who have high-deductible health plans. The site lists national and regional prices for healthcare services, including mammograms.
Note that mammograms conducted in outpatient settings, such as imaging centers, are generally less costly than those done at hospitals.
City-anchored regions | 2D mammogram screening | 3D diagnostic mammogram |
|---|---|---|
National average | ||
Atlanta | ||
Chicago | ||
Houston | ||
Kansas City, Missouri | ||
Las Vegas | ||
Orlando, Florida |
Cost can be a barrier to breast cancer screening, especially for people who don’t have insurance. Having a health insurance plan can reduce or eliminate the cost of a mammogram.
You may be able to access free or low-cost mammograms through programs, foundations, clinics, and other organizations involved in breast cancer awareness and outreach.
What are the additional costs of mammography?
If a screening mammogram shows an abnormality in your breast tissue, you could face additional costs, such as:
Diagnostic mammogram
Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI
Surgeon’s fee
Facility costs
Lost income from time off work
How often are mammograms needed?
In 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force approved new recommendations that women should start getting mammograms at age 40 and that women ages 40 to 74 should get a screening mammogram every other year. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend mammograms every year starting at age 40. People at higher risk for breast cancer should begin getting mammograms earlier.
Does insurance cover mammograms?
If you have private health insurance or Medicare, a screening mammogram is considered a preventive health service. That means the scans are covered with no out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare).
According to the ACA, private plans must cover breast cancer mammography screening every 1 to 2 years for women ages 40 and older.
Medicare Part B covers breast imaging in these ways:
Baseline mammogram once in a lifetime for women ages 35 to 39
Screening mammograms, with no out-of-pocket costs, every 12 months for women ages 40 and older
Diagnostic mammograms more often than once a year if medically necessary, which applies to people of all genders; you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible
Breast cancer ultrasounds when medically necessary and ordered by a provider
Most Medicaid programs also cover screening mammograms as preventive care and diagnostic mammograms as needed.
Some states have laws that eliminate out-of-pocket costs for women who need diagnostic mammograms following their screenings. These efforts are intended to remove barriers to follow-up tests for timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, which can save lives.
What are the risks of mammograms?
Getting a mammogram has risks, such as low-dose radiation exposure. And false positive results can lead to unnecessary biopsies, additional testing, and anxiety.
Is a mammogram worth it?
Mammograms are the best way to screen for breast cancer, particularly at an early stage, as well as for benign breast conditions. While there are risks, having the recommended breast imaging can save your life.
Frequently asked questions
In some cases, yes. Women at higher risk of breast cancer should consider starting to get mammograms before age 40. You may be at higher risk for many reasons, including a family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation that can increase your risk (such as the BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene), or a history of chest radiation therapy before age 30.
About half of women have dense breasts, which can make it harder for a mammogram to detect cancer and avoid false positives. You may need other screening or diagnostic tests, such as a breast MRI, ultrasound, or biopsy.
Yes. There is a link between drinking alcohol and the risk of developing breast cancer. The more you consume, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer.
The bottom line
Mammograms are powerful tools for early breast cancer detection — particularly when there are no signs or symptoms. They can also help doctors diagnose and monitor breast cancer and other breast conditions.
The cost of a mammogram can vary depending on your insurance coverage, the type of mammogram you need, and where the procedure is performed. Without insurance, the cost of a 2D screening mammogram can range from less than $200 to more than $300.
Why trust our experts?
References
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