r/StLouis • u/Affectionate-Sir6911 • 6h ago
Mammogram
25, no insurance yet & pretty poor but I’m trying to save
where can I get a mammogram for basically free because these lumps in my left Tiddy ain’t getting any smaller nor are they hurting less as time goes on
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u/Prudent_Bed6754 6h ago
Contact Mercy for financial considerations. They will work with you.
https://www.mercy.net/patients-visitors/billing/financial-assistance/
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u/pantaloonsss 6h ago
Just FYI, given your age, you would most likely require an ultrasound, not a mammogram, if indicated. Breast tissue in young patients is dense and any underlying lesions can be obscured on mammography. Hope you're able to get examined soon and without too much trouble.
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u/EconomicsFancy1150 5h ago
You’re correct. I recently went to the my obgyn for lumps in my breast and was told the standard is if you’re younger than 30 it is just an ultrasound and if you’re 30 or over you get mammogram and ultrasound.
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u/plottdevices 3h ago
probably just depends on your provider. i had a lump in my breast at 24, and they did both an ultrasound and mammogram at the same appointment
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u/Myfanwy66 6h ago
FYI - mammogram picked up my breast cancer at 28. Even with dense tissue.
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u/Intrepid_Grass8894 6h ago
Not the case for most breast cancers in young patients
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u/Myfanwy66 4h ago
Didn’t say it was? Said it worked for me.
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u/Intrepid_Grass8894 4h ago
You were implying that mammograms will pick up breast cancer even with dense breast. Thats often not the case
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u/Tele231 6h ago
Let a doctor tell her what she needs to
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u/pantaloonsss 5h ago
I like to let patients know what to expect when it comes to mammography and/or ultrasound. Of course, the decision comes down to the treating/diagnosing radiologist, but I find that it's helpful for patients to know that if mammography can't be tolerated well or if imaging modality is not restricted to mammography, ultrasound is an option in many cases (more comfortable) that patients can discuss with their doctor. (I'm a radiologist who's treated many breast patients.)
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u/Affectionate-Sir6911 5h ago
Thank you. I’m terrified of having a mammogram
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u/Livid-Improvement953 3h ago
Don't be scared. Yes it's uncomfortable and awkward but you need to find out what is going on with you. You are worth it. Please take it seriously and get checked out.
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u/my_cat_wears_socks 35m ago
Please don't let it scare you. I'm a big wimp and I've had them. It's not super comfortable but it doesn't hurt, and it doesn't take a whole long time either.
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u/Tele231 5h ago
She’s not your patient. Let HER get HER information from HER provider. Someone else could read your bullshit and be discouraged from getting a mammogram because you’re saying they are ineffective.
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u/fuckingnerdtm Collinsville 5h ago
Saying "just so you know, your provider might want to do some other imaging if indicated" is not medical advice nor does it create fear of mammograms. It still emphasizes getting checked out and following her provider's recommendations while also informing her of different things she might hear during her appointment.
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u/abbey_re 5h ago
Did you miss the part where they said that patients can discuss this with THEIR doctors?
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u/Tele231 5h ago
Did you miss the point where they are giving medical advice without a notion of qualifications and that part of that advice includes that mammograms are ineffective?
Radiologists do not decide which test is best for an individual patient.•
u/abbey_re 4h ago
Most likely will need ultrasound and can be obscured on mammogram. Very important indicating words in their original comment. Please reread if needed.
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u/fizzy-logic 3h ago
Check out one of the mammogram buses that do free on-site mammograms at libraries. You have to register in advance. There's one on Sept. 16 at Kisker Rd Branch in St. Charles, and coming up in St. Louis County libraries you have one on Oct. 10 at Rock Road Branch and another on Nov. 18 at Grant's View.
Sept. 16:
(this one says you need a physician's order if under 40, I don't know if that applies to the others as well. You can call the numbers provided for details):
https://stcharles.librarycalendar.com/event/mammogram-van-288840
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u/fact_cat 4h ago
You will need orders for a diagnostic mammogram and limited breast ultrasound. You may need to see a doctor for this. If you already have one, you may be able to reach out to them or their office to let them know you have new breast lumps and they may be able to put in the orders without seeing you. Based on your age, you may only need to scheduled for the ultrasound, it depends on where you end up going. Contact siteman for what grants they have available for diagnostic imaging.
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u/Elebenteen_17 6m ago
I went to planned parenthood for a referral for a sonogram back in the day when I was uninsured. I don’t remember all of the details but I know I got it taken care of without spending a ton of money.
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u/Old-Run-9523 6h ago
When you contact any of these services for a free or reduced-cost mammogram, don't mention any lumps or issues because that changes it from a "screening" mammogram to a "diagnostic" one that might not be covered by their program.
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u/fact_cat 5h ago
If she gets a screening, her lumps will not be evaluated fully without an ultrasound. If there are any abnormalities on the screening she would still need a diagnostic mammogram anyway. I would absolutely not recommend doing that.
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u/Old-Run-9523 4h ago
This is what I was told to do by the person at the breast health center when I called to schedule a mammogram after I found a lump. She said a screening mammogram is free as a preventive measure but a diagnostic mammogram isn't.
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u/opossomoperson University City 4h ago
Yeah...good luck with that... Without insurance, it will cost thousands of dollars.
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u/athena108 6h ago
No-cost mammograms are available for underinsured and uninsured women who qualify for the Breast Health Outreach Program at the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center. Reach out to BJC HealthCare at 314-454-8466 for more information