For 26 years, October has been celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Precision Imaging Centers want to know: Have you or the women you love had your digital mammogram yet? The American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology recommends screening breast exams using MRI for all women in a high-risk group, such as those with family histories of breast cancer. And to help make sure that women don’t forego mammograms for fear of financial troubles, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently issued new interim regulations that require private health insurers to cover preventative and early detection services with no cost sharing or copays in health insurance policies issued after September 23, 2010. The new regulations include annual mammography services for women age 40 and older.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you or the women you love scheduled a digital mammogram?

Jacksonville-based PIC offers the most comprehensive imaging for breast studies for early detection of breast tissue. We use cutting-edge imaging technology and we employ top notch, board-certified radiologists and highly qualified sub specialists. Our digital mammography services include both screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Screening mammograms do not require a physician’s referral and are recommended for women 40 years of age or older and for younger women with a history of fibrocystic breasts, breast tenderness, a previous benign biopsy, nipple discharge or a family history of breast cancer. For diagnostic mammograms, we do require that you consult with your healthcare provider first. These are for women who have abnormal mammogram or probably benign radiographic findings, for women with a personal history of breast disease and for specific clinical concerns such as lumps or lesions.

We know that mammograms are not exactly a walk in the park. So, we make getting your digital mammogram as comfortable an experience a possible. Our ladies’ lounge areas have changing rooms with plush bath robes and lockers to secure your belongings and we use mammogram soft pads to create a warmer, softer surface between your breast and the imaging equipment. We know that the wait for information can be stressful too, so we get your mammogram and other imaging results to you and your doctor usually within four hours. To accommodate your busy schedule, Precision Imaging Centers is open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. When possible, we are happy to accommodate same-day and next day appointments.

More than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Nearly 40,000 of them will die. However, 98 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years when cancer is discovered early, compared to just 23 percent diagnosed after cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Don’t skip a service that could save your life. To schedule your screening mammogram, call Precision Imaging Centers at 904-996-8100 or use our convenient online appointment request feature.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued new interim regulations that will require private health insurers to cover preventative and early detection services, including annual mammography services for women age 40 and older, with no cost sharing or copays in health insurance policies issued after September 23, 2010.

The move is part of the DHHS’ implementation of the recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is welcome news to critics of controversial recommendations handed down last fall. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, a government advisory panel, concluded that annual screening mammograms for women ages 40-49 who do not have an elevated risk of breast cancer are unnecessary. Their reasoning was that scientists are concerned about overdiagnosis, false positives and unnecessary biopsies and radiation exposure. Instead, the panel recommends low risk women get mammograms every two years beginning at age 50. But many women’s health care professionals and advocates disagree.

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring the promise of health reform is delivered to all women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “This new rule means money will no longer be an obstacle for women who want or need a mammogram. Ultimately, this will save lives.”

More than 200,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 of them will die. However, 98 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years when cancer is discovered early, compared to just 23 percent diagnosed after cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Precision Imaging Centers offers top-quality digital mammography services (both screening mammography and diagnostic mammography) in Jacksonville. We do not require a physician’s referral for asymptomatic women age 40 and older, and we can arrange to have film from your prior breast exams sent securely to our office for comparison. We offer evening and weekend appointments – 7 a.m.-11 p.m. week days, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays for your convenience. Visit our website to make an appointment or call 904-966-8100 for more information.