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What is the Michigan Mammography Facility Guide?
Developed by the American Cancer Society, the guide is designed as a complete and unbiased source of information on mammography facilities in Michigan. The information contained in this guide is provided voluntarily by each facility through a survey and prices may be subject to change. This resource compares services, price, and other information to help women choose the mammography facility best suited for them.
A recent large study from the National Cancer Institute found that digital mammography was more accurate in finding cancers in women younger than 50 and in women with dense breast tissue. The following guide includes information identifying which sites in Michigan offer digital mammography. It is important to remember that standard film mammography is still effective for these groups of women and that they should not forego their regular mammogram if digital mammography is not available.
To assist with the various terminology used throughout the guide, a "Definitions and Technical Notes" section is included.
Michigan Mammography Facilities by County for 2007
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. The test is done with special equipment that is checked regularly to make sure that it is operating effectively. Both the technologist who takes the x-ray pictures and the doctor who reads the pictures have special training in taking and reading mammograms. They are required by law to maintain high standards in their skill so that women are assured of high quality mammograms. For a mammogram, the woman undresses from the waist up and wears a wrap provided by the mammography facility. The breast is placed on a plate and flattened by compression with another plate. This flattening and compression helps assure a clear picture of the breast tissue. The compression can be uncomfortable, but it lasts only seconds while the peace of mind you receive from having a clean mammogram will last all year!
What makes me likely to get breast cancer?
Being a woman is the single-most important risk factor in developing breast cancer. Age is the next biggest risk factor. The older we get, the more likely we are to develop any kind of cancer, including breast cancer. We cannot change these risk factors. The best thing to do to combat these risks is to get a mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year at age 40 and older. The following known factors can increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer:
- Having breast cancer before
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Pre-cancerous cells in breast lumps
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Early first period and late menopause
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Obesity after menopause
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Recent use of oral birth control, estrogens, and progestins
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Never having children
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Having children after age 30
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Use of alcoholic beverages
What is the Mammography Quality Standards Act?
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is a federal law establishing high quality standards for all mammography facilities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that facilities all around the country meet MQSA standards. These standards apply to the following people at your facility:
- the technologist who takes your mammogram
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the radiologist who studies your mammogram
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the medical physicist who tests the mammography equipment
All of these people must have special training and education. They must also meet continuing education and experience requirements. MQSA ensures that mammography equipment is tested and maintained regularly.
Are there other ways that MQSA helps?
The MQSA aims to improve communication between you and your facility. Your facility is required to:
- ask if you have breast implants before performing your mammogram
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send you your mammogram results within 30 days of the exam
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transfer your original mammograms to you, your doctor, or to a specific facility, upon your request
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address your concerns
How do I know that a facility is FDA certified to provide quality mammography?
There are several ways to determine whether a mammography facility is FDA certified:
- call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345
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call the National Cancer Institute’s Mammography Information Service Line at 1-800-422-6237
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at the facility, look for the MQSA certificate and check the expiration date
The certificate means that the facility undergoes regular inspections to meet quality standards.
Are Veteran’s Administration (VA) facilities required to meet the standards of MQSA?
The VA facilities are not required to apply for MQSA certification. The VA has its own quality mammography program with standards as strict as the MQSA. To find a VA mammography facility, call the Mammography Help Line at 1-888-492-7844.
Does Medicare cover mammograms?
A yearly screening mammogram is a covered benefit if you have Medicare Part B and are 40 years of age or older. Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the approved amount of a screening mammogram. You do not need to pay the Part B deductible. The cost to you will be a 20% co-payment. If your doctor has instructed you to have a mammogram more often than once a year, Medicare Part B will pay for 80% of the diagnostic program. If you cannot afford the co-payment or have trouble paying for Medicare, you may be able to get help. Michigan has several programs that can help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, or co-payments. The Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is available to help you. MMAP is a free insurance counseling assistance program in Michigan. MMAP counselors can help you with the application process for these programs. For more information, call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174.
How can I afford a mammogram?
Most health insurance companies pay for mammograms. Contact your insurance company and ask if mammograms are paid for by your health insurance.
Low-cost and free mammograms are also available to eligible women, age 40-64, through local health departments. For more information about low-cost or free mammograms, call 1-800-922-6266.
Please note: The Mammography Guide file is being updated periodically, so if your county is not yet listed, check back soon.
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