How Much Does Mammogram Cost in 2026?
According to ProcedureRadar's analysis of 374 hospital pricing files, the national median cost of mammogram is $213, with prices typically ranging from $69 (10th percentile) to $351 (90th percentile). The full spread runs from $38 at the lowest to $414 at the highest across 24 US metros. The cheapest metro for mammogram is St. Louis (median $38), while Orlando is the most expensive (median $414). This guide breaks down what drives these prices and how to save.
Compare Mammogram Prices Near YouKey Takeaways
- The national median cost of mammogram is $213, ranging from $38 to $414 across 374 hospitals in 24 metros.
- Cash pay prices are typically 40% to 60% lower than insured prices. Always ask for the cash rate, even if you have insurance with a high deductible.
- The cheapest metro is St. Louis ($38 median). The most expensive is Orlando ($414).
- Screening vs. Diagnostic Classification is the biggest price driver. Under the ACA, screening mammograms are covered at no cost to the patient for women age 40 and older. Diagnostic mammogr...
- You can save by comparing hospitals on ProcedureRadar, choosing lower-cost facilities, and asking for the cash price before scheduling. Jump to savings tips
The National Picture
Mammogram prices vary widely depending on whether the exam is a routine screening or a diagnostic study ordered for a specific concern. Screening mammograms at freestanding imaging centers can cost as little as $75, while diagnostic mammograms at hospital-based breast centers can exceed $1,500.
The price difference is driven primarily by facility type and exam classification. Screening mammograms performed at freestanding centers carry minimal overhead. Hospital-based centers add facility fees, higher overhead, and often include 3D tomosynthesis as the default, which increases the cost. The clinical quality of the images is comparable across facility types when both use modern equipment.
See How Your City ComparesWhat Affects the Cost
Six factors determine what you will pay for a mammogram. Understanding these helps you find the best price without compromising quality.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Classification
Under the ACA, screening mammograms are covered at no cost to the patient for women age 40 and older. Diagnostic mammograms (ordered for a lump, pain, or abnormal screening) are subject to your deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Make sure your mammogram is coded correctly as screening or diagnostic.
2D vs. 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) costs $50 to $150 more than standard 2D. Many facilities now perform 3D by default. The ACA requires coverage of 3D screening mammograms at no cost under most plans as of 2023. However, some grandfathered plans may charge extra. Confirm with your insurer.
Facility Type
Hospital-based breast centers charge 2x to 4x more than freestanding imaging centers for the same mammogram. If you are paying out of pocket or have a high deductible, a freestanding center almost always costs less. Both facility types use FDA-certified mammography equipment.
Additional Imaging
If your screening mammogram shows an area that needs further evaluation, you may need additional views, spot compression, or a breast ultrasound. These are billed as separate diagnostic procedures and are subject to your deductible. Ask the facility what additional imaging typically costs.
Breast Density Notification
As of 2024, federal law requires all mammography facilities to notify patients about breast density. Women with dense breasts may be recommended for additional screening (MRI or ultrasound), which adds cost. These supplemental screenings may or may not be covered by your plan.
Geographic Region
Mammogram prices vary modestly by region compared to more complex procedures. However, hospital-based facilities in high-cost metros like New York and San Francisco charge significantly more than those in lower-cost areas. Freestanding center prices are more consistent nationally.
A screening mammogram at a hospital-based breast center can cost 4x more than the same exam at a freestanding imaging center. The mammography machine is the same. The radiologist reading is the same. The facility fee is not.
ProcedureRadar analysis, 374 hospitals, April 2026What's Included (and What's Not)
A mammogram quote should cover the imaging exam itself, but associated services are often billed separately.
Typically Included
- Mammography imaging (2D or 3D as ordered)
- Technologist performing the exam
- Image processing and digital storage
- Basic facility fee
Often Billed Separately
- Radiologist interpretation and reading fee
- Additional diagnostic views or spot compression
- Breast ultrasound (if recommended after mammogram)
- Biopsy (if abnormalities are found)
Watch for the "callback" bill. If your screening mammogram shows an area of concern, you may be called back for additional diagnostic views or ultrasound. These follow-up exams are classified as diagnostic and may be subject to your deductible, even though the initial screening was free.
Cost by City
Mammogram prices vary significantly across US metros. Click any city to see the full hospital-by-hospital pricing breakdown.
Insurance Coverage
Under the ACA, screening mammograms are covered at 100% (no cost-sharing) for women age 40 and older. This includes 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) under most current plans. You should not receive a bill for a routine screening mammogram if you have ACA-compliant insurance.
Diagnostic mammograms are subject to your deductible, copay, and coinsurance. If your screening mammogram leads to a callback for additional views, the follow-up exam is typically classified as diagnostic. The cost depends on your plan and whether you have met your deductible.
Some states have enacted laws requiring insurers to cover diagnostic mammograms at the same cost-sharing level as screening mammograms. Check your state's specific mammography coverage requirements.
Medicare covers one screening mammogram per year for all women age 40 and older at no cost. Diagnostic mammograms are covered under Part B with the standard 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible.
If you are uninsured: Many communities offer free or low-cost screening mammograms through programs funded by the CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Call 1-800-CDC-INFO to find a program near you. Many imaging centers also offer cash prices of $75 to $200 for screening mammograms.
How to Save Money
Mammograms are among the most affordable medical procedures, but costs can add up if you need diagnostic follow-up. Here is how to minimize your expenses.
- 1Know Your CoverageScreening mammograms are free under the ACA for women 40 and older. Make sure your exam is coded as a screening to avoid being charged. If your doctor orders a diagnostic mammogram, ask whether it can be coded as screening if you have no symptoms.
- 2Choose a Freestanding Imaging CenterFreestanding centers charge 50% to 75% less than hospital-based breast centers for the same mammogram. Both use FDA-certified equipment. If you need a diagnostic mammogram and are paying out of pocket, a freestanding center saves significantly.
- 3Compare Prices on ProcedureRadarEven for a relatively affordable procedure, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive facility in your metro can be $500 or more for a diagnostic mammogram. A quick comparison is worth the effort.
- 4Ask About Community ProgramsThe CDC's NBCCEDP program provides free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. Many hospitals and imaging centers also offer free screening events, particularly during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month).
- 5Bundle with Your Annual PhysicalSome primary care practices and women's health centers offer bundled pricing for annual exams that include a mammogram. Ask your provider if a package deal is available.
- 6Check for Self-Referral OptionsIn many states, you can schedule a screening mammogram without a physician referral. This saves the cost of an office visit just to get a mammogram order. Call your preferred imaging center to confirm their self-referral policy.
Questions to Ask Your Hospital
Before scheduling your mammogram, ask these questions to understand your costs and coverage.
- "Is this being coded as a screening or a diagnostic mammogram?"
- "Do you perform 3D (tomosynthesis) mammography, and is it included in the screening price?"
- "What is the cash price for a screening mammogram?"
- "If I need additional views or ultrasound, what are those costs?"
- "Do you accept self-referrals for screening mammograms?"
- "Are you in-network with my insurance plan?"
- "Do you participate in any free or reduced-cost mammogram programs?"
- "What is the turnaround time for results?"