Self Referral In a nutshell, SELF REFERRAL in medical imaging means that a patient who feels that they might benefit from a particular imaging procedure may schedule themselves for an examination without a written order from a physician. The vast amount of readily available health information has made it easier to be better custodians of our own well-being. That being said, it is important to realize that physicians and other professional healthcare providers remain our best defense against disease and disability.     Here at Mammography & Ultrasound Specialists, we offer 2 types of procedures for which individuals can self refer, namely screening mammography and bone density scanning. In the following sections we’ll describe each of them; explain why they might be needed; and present some information sources to help make an informed decision. We’re also glad to provide information upon requested.”   Here’s To Your Health,   Joe Foley Director of Marketing Mammography Self Referral   Screening mammography is currently the recommended procedure for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammography & Ultrasound Specialists accepts patient self referral for screening mammograms for women 35 years of age and older. We recently incorporated a Computer Assisted Detection (CAD) system to our mammography program (depicted in the picture above left) to make it more effective. A more detailed  description of mammography can be reviewed on our "Services" page.   Why screening mammograms are important:   The chance of a women developing breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7 (13.4%)*   There were an estimated 215,990 new cases of breast cancer in the U.S. in 2004*   Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women*   Breast cancer survival rates are very high if detected early*   Screening mammography can detect pre-cancerous changes and tumors too small to be felt   The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammography for women 40 years of age and above*   *American Cancer Society   For more information:   The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org   The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at www.komen.org   The cost of your screening mammogram may be covered by your insurance plan. If you prefer to pay by cash, the cost is $80 ($140 for implants).   If you’d like to schedule yourself for a screening mammogram, you might save some time by printing and filling out the following documents:   Mammography History And Screening Form   Patient Information Form Bone Density Scan (DEXA) Self Referral   Bone density scans are the diagnostic test of choice for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis (weakening of bones). Self referral for this test, sometimes referred to as a DEXA scan, is accepted at Mammography & Ultrasound Specialists, but routinely limited to individuals 45 years of age or older unless ordered by a physician. We would be glad to recommend a local physician to individuals who feel they may be at risk. A more detailed review of the procedure itself can be found on our "Services" page.   Why bone density scan are important:   10 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk due to low bone mass*   80% of affected Americans are women*   50% of all women and 25% of all men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining years*   Osteoporosis causes no pain and thus often goes undetected until there is a fracture*   The most common fracture sites are the hip, spine, wrist and ribs, but any bone can be affected*   There is no cure for osteoporosis, but it can be PREVENTED and treated*   *National Osteoporosis Foundation   For more information:   The Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org   WebMD at  www.webmd.com   The cost of your bone density scann may be covered by your insurance plan. If you prefer to pay by cash, the cost is $130.   If you’d like to schedule yourself for a bone density scan, you might save some time by printing and filling out the following documents:   Bone Density- Patient History   Patient Information Form Mammography & Ultrasound Specialists is a fully accredited and licensed facility. Our imaging equipment is state-of-the-art. Our staff members are experienced and fully credentialed.