Mr. Nelson Joseph Lirette
October 27, 2009Industrial Boulevard closed for Chabert levee construction
October 29, 2009Though health officials urge women over age 40 to get an annual breast screening and mammogram, many in the Tri-parishes are faced with a dilemma-no insurance.
Most insurance companies offer wellness plans that cover the cost of such screenings with little or no additional payment. However, uninsured women are forced to pay out of pocket.
Fortunately, local hospitals report having grants available to help uninsured women afford yearly breast exams.
• Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital – Raceland
Information provided by Mae Hitt, community outreach educator at Ochsner St. Anne
– Screening mammogram: $265 (without insurance)
– Radiologist reading: $85 (without insurance)
Uninsured women can qualify for a Susan G. Komen for the Cure grant for clinical breast exams, mammograms and additional testing. The grant pays $100 toward the clinical breast exam, screening mammogram and radiology reading.
If abnormalities are found, the grant will also cover an additional diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound.
For more information on registering for grant assistance, contact Hitt at (985) 537-8350.
To schedule a clinical breast exam, call any of Ochsner St. Anne’s three clinics, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
• Lockport Medical Clinic, 1015 Crescent City Drive, Lockport, (985) 532-7307
• St. Anne Women’s Clinic, 104 Acadia Park Drive, Raceland, (985) 537-3211
• Ochsner St. Anne General Health clinic, 106 Cypress St., Raceland, (985) 537-2273
To schedule a mammogram, call the Ocshner X-ray Department at (985) 537-6841.
• Teche Regional Medical Center – Morgan City
Information provided by Marketing Manager Sabrina Roy
– Screening mammogram: $90 (without insurance)
– Radiology reading: $40 (without insurance)
Roy said the hospital does not receive funds from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. However, Morgan City Bank and Trust is helping uninsured women cover the cost of screenings, she said.
To qualify, the patient must be uninsured or have a high deductible. A physician’s referral for the service is also required.
Teche Regional, located at 1125 Marguerite St. in Morgan City, accepts appointments Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call (985) 384-2200.
• Thibodaux Regional Medical Center – Thibodaux
Information provided by Marketing Director Toni Martinez
Thibodaux Regional works with patients to provide mammograms in a cost-effective manner. However, patients are asked to check their insurance coverage prior to having any procedure.
The Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional does offer grants via the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundaton. Applications are available at the medical center.
Appointments for screenings are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 602 N. Acadia Road. For more information, call (985) 493-4332.
• Terrebonne General Medical Center – Houma
Information provided by Marketing and Planning Director Rhonda Alfred
Bayou Region Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation helps Terrebonne General provide mammograms to uninsured patients.
To qualify, call TGMC’s Case Management/Social Services at (985) 873-4581.
The Pink Ribbon Social also helps TGMC provide mammograms for women. The group’s goal is to provide 10 screenings for women this year. The fundraising event will be held Friday at the City Club of Houma. For more information, call Arlanda Williams at (985) 873-6433.
TGMC’s Woman’s Imaging and Breast Center, located at 8166 Main St. in Houma, is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (985) 850-6052.
