How much does a mammogram cost?
How much does a mammogram cost?
$100 – $600 without insurance
$100 – $300 per 2D screening
$250 – $600 per 3D mammogram
Average mammogram cost
A mammogram costs $100 to $600 without insurance, depending on the type of mammogram, your location, and the facility you visit. With insurance, most screening mammograms are covered at no cost under the Affordable Care Act's preventive care provisions. For those paying out of pocket, a standard 2D screening mammogram averages around $150 to $300, while a 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) runs $250 to $600.
| Mammogram type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| 2D screening mammogram | $100 – $300 |
| 3D screening mammogram (tomosynthesis) | $250 – $600 |
| Diagnostic mammogram | $200 – $600 |
| Low-cost community programs | $75 – $150 |
Mammograms are one of the most important tools for early breast cancer detection. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women starting at age 40 should have a yearly screening mammogram. About 92% of screening mammograms detect nothing suspicious, offering peace of mind that makes the investment well worth it.
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.
Cost by mammogram type
There are several types of mammograms, and each comes with a different price tag. Understanding the differences can help you determine which option is appropriate for your situation and budget.
| Mammogram type | What it does | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2D screening mammogram | Standard breast cancer screening using flat X-ray images | $100 – $300 |
| 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) | Creates layered 3D images for more detailed views | $250 – $600 |
| Diagnostic mammogram | Follows up on abnormal findings or symptoms | $200 – $600 |
| Breast ultrasound (supplemental) | Uses sound waves, often for dense breast tissue | $100 – $400 |
| Breast MRI (supplemental) | High-risk screening using magnetic resonance imaging | $500 – $3,000 |
2D screening mammogram
A standard 2D screening mammogram is the most common and affordable option, costing $100 to $300 out of pocket. It uses traditional X-ray technology to capture flat images of the breast from two angles. This is the routine annual test recommended for women with average breast cancer risk.
3D mammogram (tomosynthesis)
A 3D mammogram, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, costs $250 to $600. This technology takes multiple X-ray images from different angles and reconstructs them into thin cross-sectional "slices" of the breast. It is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue because it reduces overlapping tissue that can obscure abnormalities in 2D images.
Many facilities now use 3D mammography as the standard screening tool. When covered by insurance as a preventive screening, there is typically no additional out-of-pocket cost compared to a 2D mammogram.
Diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram costs $200 to $600 and is ordered when a screening mammogram reveals something suspicious or when a patient reports symptoms such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. Unlike screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms may not be fully covered by insurance as a preventive service, meaning patients could face copays, coinsurance, or deductible costs.
Starting in 2025, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover follow-up diagnostic imaging without cost-sharing when it results from a screening mammogram. However, coverage details vary by plan, so check with your insurer.
Mammogram cost with insurance
Most women with health insurance pay $0 for a routine screening mammogram. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most private insurance plans to cover preventive screening mammograms at no cost to the patient, with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
| Insurance type | Screening mammogram cost | Diagnostic mammogram cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private insurance (ACA-compliant) | $0 | $0 – $300+ (varies by plan) |
| Medicare Part B | $0 (once every 12 months) | 20% coinsurance after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 in most states | $0 – varies by state |
| Employer-sponsored plans | $0 | Copay or coinsurance may apply |
Private insurance coverage
Under the ACA, all marketplace and most employer-sponsored health plans must cover screening mammograms as a preventive service without cost-sharing. This typically includes one screening mammogram every one to two years for women age 40 and older, though many plans now cover annual screenings starting at age 40.
Keep in mind that using an out-of-network facility may result in charges even for a covered screening. Always confirm that your imaging center is in-network before scheduling your appointment.
Diagnostic mammogram coverage
Diagnostic mammograms have historically been subject to standard cost-sharing under most insurance plans. This means patients could owe copays, coinsurance, or deductible amounts. However, federal legislation now requires many plans to cover diagnostic mammograms without cost-sharing when they follow an abnormal screening result.
If your diagnostic mammogram is ordered for symptoms unrelated to a prior screening, your insurance may still apply standard cost-sharing. Contact your insurer to understand your specific benefits.
Medicare coverage for mammograms
Medicare Part B covers screening mammograms once every 12 months at $0 cost for women age 40 and older. No deductible or copay applies. Medicare also covers one baseline screening mammogram for women between ages 35 and 39.
| Medicare mammogram coverage | Frequency | Cost to patient |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline screening (ages 35–39) | One time | $0 |
| Screening mammogram (age 40+) | Once every 12 months | $0 |
| Diagnostic mammogram | As medically necessary | 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible |
For diagnostic mammograms, Medicare Part B covers the procedure when ordered by a doctor. However, patients are responsible for 20% coinsurance after meeting the annual Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it may cover some or all of this out-of-pocket cost.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same benefits as Original Medicare. Many Advantage plans offer additional benefits, including coverage for 3D mammograms and reduced cost-sharing on diagnostic procedures.
Mammogram cost without insurance
Without insurance, a mammogram costs $100 to $600 depending on the type and location. Some community hospitals and imaging centers offer low-cost programs specifically for uninsured or underinsured women. For example, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center offers digital mammograms for just $120 through a dedicated program.
| Facility type | Typical out-of-pocket cost |
|---|---|
| Hospital-based imaging center | $200 – $600 |
| Independent imaging center | $100 – $350 |
| Community health center | $75 – $200 |
| Mobile mammography unit | $0 – $150 |
| Low-cost hospital programs | $100 – $150 |
If you're uninsured, ask the facility about self-pay discounts before your appointment. Many hospitals offer cash-pay rates that are significantly lower than the billed rate. Some facilities reduce prices by 30% to 50% for patients who pay upfront or demonstrate financial need. You can also explore the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance for additional guidance on affordable healthcare options.
Always ask for the self-pay or cash-pay rate when scheduling your mammogram. This rate is often significantly lower than the standard billed price and may be comparable to what insurance companies negotiate.
Factors that affect mammogram cost
Several variables influence how much you'll pay for a mammogram. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and find the most affordable option.
| Cost factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Type of mammogram (2D vs. 3D vs. diagnostic) | 3D and diagnostic mammograms cost $50 – $300 more |
| Facility type (hospital vs. independent center) | Hospital-based facilities charge 30% – 100% more |
| Geographic location | Urban and coastal areas tend to have higher prices |
| Insurance coverage | Screening mammograms are typically $0 with insurance |
| Additional imaging needed | Ultrasound or MRI adds $100 – $3,000 |
| Radiologist reading fee | May be billed separately, adding $50 – $150 |
Facility type
Where you get your mammogram significantly affects the price. Hospital-based imaging centers typically charge more than freestanding independent imaging centers due to facility fees. An independent radiology center might charge $150 for a screening mammogram, while a hospital-based center could charge $300 or more for the same procedure.
Geographic location
Mammogram costs vary by state and region. Patients in metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living generally pay more. For example, a screening mammogram in New York City or San Francisco could cost twice as much as the same procedure in a rural Midwest clinic.
Additional imaging and procedures
If your mammogram reveals an abnormality, you may need follow-up imaging such as a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI. These additional tests add to your total cost. A breast biopsy, if recommended, can cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more without insurance.
Some facilities bundle the radiologist's interpretation fee with the mammogram cost, while others bill it separately. Always ask whether the quoted price includes the reading fee to avoid unexpected charges.
Free and low-cost mammogram programs
Several national and state programs provide free or reduced-cost mammograms for women who qualify. These programs are especially valuable for uninsured or underinsured women.
| Program | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) | Low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women | $0 |
| Planned Parenthood | Open to all; sliding scale fees | $0 – varies |
| Susan G. Komen Foundation | Uninsured or underinsured women | $0 |
| Local hospital charity programs | Income-based qualification | $0 – $120 |
| State Medicaid programs | Income-based qualification | $0 |
CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
The NBCCEDP provides free breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across all 50 states. Eligibility generally includes women ages 40 to 64 with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Contact your state's program coordinator through the CDC website to check eligibility.
Community and nonprofit programs
Many hospitals and nonprofit organizations host free mammogram events, particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Mobile mammography units frequently visit underserved communities, workplaces, and community centers to provide convenient, low-cost screenings.
Organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society can connect you with free screening resources in your area. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for assistance finding affordable mammogram options near you.
How to save money on a mammogram
Even without access to free programs, there are practical strategies to reduce your mammogram costs.
| Money-saving strategy | Potential savings |
|---|---|
| Use an in-network provider | $0 cost for screening mammograms |
| Choose an independent imaging center | 30% – 50% less than hospital-based |
| Ask for cash-pay discounts | 20% – 50% off billed rates |
| Schedule during awareness events | $0 – $100 |
| Use an HSA or FSA | Pay with pre-tax dollars |
| Compare prices before scheduling | Varies widely by facility |
- Verify insurance coverage first. If you have any form of health insurance, confirm that screening mammograms are covered as a preventive service at no cost. Most ACA-compliant plans provide this benefit.
- Choose an independent imaging center. Freestanding radiology centers typically charge significantly less than hospital-based facilities for the same procedure with the same quality equipment.
- Ask about payment plans. If you need a diagnostic mammogram or follow-up imaging, many facilities offer interest-free payment plans that spread the cost over several months.
- Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Mammograms are qualified medical expenses under both HSA and FSA plans, allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars and save 20% to 30% depending on your tax bracket.
- Schedule during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many facilities offer discounted or free mammograms during October. Check local hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations for special promotions.
- Compare prices online. Tools like Healthcare Bluebook, MDsave, and Fair Health Consumer can help you compare mammogram prices at different facilities in your area before scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Are mammograms free?
Screening mammograms are free with most health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B and ACA-compliant private plans. Without insurance, you'll pay $100 to $600 out of pocket unless you qualify for a free program through the CDC, a nonprofit, or a community health center.
How often should I get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. Women at higher risk due to family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), or other factors may need to begin screening earlier and may also benefit from supplemental screening with breast MRI.
Is a 3D mammogram worth the extra cost?
A 3D mammogram detects more cancers and reduces false positives compared to a standard 2D mammogram, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. The extra cost is $50 to $300 more than a 2D mammogram, but many insurance plans now cover 3D mammograms at no additional cost. If you're paying out of pocket, discuss with your doctor whether the added detection benefit justifies the higher price for your specific risk profile.
Why does a diagnostic mammogram cost more than a screening?
Diagnostic mammograms involve more detailed imaging, additional views, and often real-time radiologist oversight. They take longer to perform and interpret than standard screening mammograms. Insurance plans also classify them differently, which may result in cost-sharing obligations like copays and deductibles that don't apply to preventive screenings.
Are there hidden costs with mammograms?
Potential additional charges include a separate radiologist reading fee, facility fees (especially at hospitals), and costs for follow-up imaging if an abnormality is found. When scheduling, ask whether the quoted price includes all fees. If additional imaging is needed, ask about costs before agreeing to the procedure so you can plan accordingly.
At what age does insurance start covering mammograms?
Most insurance plans cover screening mammograms starting at age 40. Medicare covers one baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 39, then annual screenings beginning at age 40. Some plans may cover earlier screening for women with elevated risk factors. Check with your specific insurer for details on age-related coverage. For other preventive health screenings, you may also want to learn about the cost of a Pap smear test, a colonoscopy, or a bone density test.