Forum Discussion

mona63's avatar
mona63
Member
10 years ago

Cost of yearly mammagram

Just wondering what other people's experience is with costs of yearly mammagram and ultrasounds? Mine cost $504 at MIA and I think I got $200 back from Medicare and none back on bupa.  All other ongoing costs ie $120 per yearly appt with surgeon for her to review my results and I see oncologist about twice a year at $125 seem reasonable too.  On another note interesting article in Australian today advocating oncotype ex test be free as apparently it leads to say 57.5 reduction of chemotherapy use in with breast cancer as 'nothing valuable gained'.  They quote $4500 but some other countries it is free

best wishes

mammogram

8 Replies

  • jackieak's avatar
    jackieak
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Megan

    I was told that I could ring after 5 years and re-register.  I just checked on their website and it says that once invited back you are eligible for yearly mammograms, with your doctors approval,  rather than every 2 years.  I didn't realise this, so thank you for letting us know.  Still 5 years away but nice to know there is that option in the future.

  • Meags's avatar
    Meags
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi all,

    There seems to be conflicting information from Breastscreen. When I was first diagnosed, I was told by one of their counsellors that they 'wouldn't be inviting me back'.

    But I subsequently received a very gracious letter from them letting me know that - in addition to welcoming me back - they would increase my access to testing to once every 12 months (from once every 2 years). It might be worth asking Breastscreen for clarification in your case.

    Best wishes

    Megan

  • susanwootton's avatar
    susanwootton
    Member
    10 years ago

    Breast screen is not a complete scan, as I survivor I would always want the best possible screening, I do think though that Medicare should increase the rebate for those of us that need these scans every year.

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    10 years ago

    As a public patient attending my local breast clinic, I don't pay anything at all. Mammogram, ultrasound (both done at the nearby public hospital) and consultations with surgeon and oncologist are all free. Sorry, it's probably not what you want to hear. 

  • jackieak's avatar
    jackieak
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jen Joyce

    I do think you are only entitled to a mammogram every two years with Breastscreen,  Then when you have been diagnosed with breast cancer you can't go back to them until 5 years of being cancer free have gone by.  I have just been diagnosed through Breastscreen and was told this from them.

  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there , regards to your comment Jen a woman is not allowed to go back to breastscreen till they are 5 years post a bc diagnosis. Then they have to re register with them. I've recently had to go back six months to have another ultrasound so that's twice this year so nearly $500 out of pocket. What do you do my surgeon , onco are a small out of pocket,at normal visits but all my treatment at Peter Mac is free.

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi:) MIne is a bit less,but it would be that much if it was for 2 boobs!! My yearly surgeons appointment is the same as you,but I have no cost for my onc as I see her at Lifehouse in Sydney,which is part of RPA Hospital.I choose to have my mammogram and ultrasound at a private hospital now,as my surgeon,who I have a LOT of respect for,tells me that the doctors there are VERY experienced .He feels it is worth it and I definitely agree.Cheers Robyn. xox

  • Jenjoy's avatar
    Jenjoy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Mona63

    i'm wondering why you don't have your yearly mammogram with Breastscreen as it's entirely free and your results are posted directly to you?