MAMMOGRAM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Every Individual Deserves Quality Access to Breast Health – With or Without Insurance
Woodlands Medical Specialists is excited to partner with the Keeping Abreast Foundation. The Keeping Abreast Foundation assists individuals with funding for mammography services.
You may qualify for mammogram assistance if you meet these eligibility requirements:
- Age 40 and older or under age 40 who are at an increased risk for breast cancer
- A resident of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa or Walton Counties in the state of Florida
- No insurance and ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare coverage or any other form of public assistance, or if your insurance does not cover the full cost of a mammogram
- Individuals must meet income eligibility guidelines based on the size of your family
If you or someone you know needs assistance with paying for a mammogram, including screening, diagnostic or ultrasound services, please contact Woodlands Medical Specialists at 850-696-4312.
WOMEN’S HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should keep on doing so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer. Diagnostic mammograms are used for women who have possible abnormalities that could indicate cancer or another breast health problem.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to outline a part of the body. The sound wave echoes are picked up by a computer to create a picture on a computer screen. Ultrasound is a good test to use along with mammograms because it is widely available and costs less than other tests. But ultrasound should not be used instead of mammograms. Usually, it is used to look at a certain area of concern found by the mammogram. It sometimes helps to tell the difference between cysts and solid masses (tumors) without using a needle to draw out fluid.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to help diagnose and stage breast cancer. In addition to mammography, it is also used for women who are at very high risk for developing breast cancer. For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, screening MRI is recommended along with a yearly mammogram. It is not generally recommended as a screening tool by itself because it may miss some cancers that mammograms would find.
A biopsy is done when other tests show that you might have breast cancer. The only way to know for sure is for you to have a biopsy. During this test, cells from the area of concern are removed so they can be studied in the lab. There are several kinds of biopsies. The doctor will use the one best for you.
