Cost of Mammogram etc

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Does anyone know the rough cost of a mammogram and sonagraph here in Switzerland? I have an appointment in a few weeks and don't want the bill to be a shock .

2
Hello IM

I can tell you exactly for a mammogram and so on, having had some tests at the beginning of last year. Squeamish people might need to look away at this point........

The mammogram was CHF189.85, including being sent the actual images themselves! Found that amazing and very interesting, yes I am a nerd.

A well woman consultation with all associated examinations, smears and swabs, and colposcopy was CHF167.35, and cytopathology lab costs were CHF50.45.

The mistake I made was to self refer to a clinic and not get a referral from my GP first; this meant that my insurer regarded the tests as frivolous ( anyone who has had their bosoms squeezed between 2 glass plates, however kind the nurse helping her, would not choose this activity for fun!) and refused to pay.

I cannot give you a price for ultrasound, but I think the prices we were charged for the other, quickly administered and highly professional tests were not too startling. Or have I been living here too long.

All the best, I hope you are as reassured by your results as I was.

Hobs

3
Thanks for that info. Those prices aren't too bad, phew!

4
I was surprised when I was told by my OB/GYN that, here in CH, mammograms aren't usually done until the woman is 50 years old. In the U.S., they're recommended at age 40.

I know women can develop breast cancer much younger than age 50, so I have no idea why the Swiss do it so late.

5
It's 50 in the UK too. But then we only have smear tests in the UK every 3 years. I'm surprised the Swiss don't do it earlier as they seem quite happy to take your money for everything else :-)

6
It's not really crazy. Mammograms aren't as effective on younger women with dense breasts. if you have a concern, talk to your gyn, and she (or he) will likely prescribe a test for you. ultrasounds are sometimes more effective. I have a breast ultrasound twice a year, I think the exams run between 100-200 chf. if your gyn does them or prescribes them, insurance pays.

7
For a very small fee, I offer an extensive service searching for lumps, for women from the age of 20, upwards.

I have had many years of hands on experience.

For private consultation, please send PM with photo.

8
Just something for you to think about... Mammograms are like x-rays, they emit radiation (which is harmful to the human body) and is said to even cause breast cancer using this scanning method.

"That's why I don't recommend mammograms, despite what you may hear from other medical sources. They expose your body to radiation that can be 1,000 times greater than that from a chest x-ray -- this makes you vulnerable unnecessarily to further risks of radiation-induced cancer."

http://naturalhealthcenter.mercola.c...rmography.aspx

There is also chance for misdiagnosis as mentioned above by another poster pointing out that younger women have denser breast tissue. There is a much safer and more accurate method of scanning called thermography. I can't tell you where you can get this screening in Swirterland, but I would personally opt for that method over getting a mammogram. Good luck

"Mammograms Often Lead to Unnecessary Biopsies and False Positives"

http://naturalhealthcenter.mercola.c...rmography.aspx

9
I think if you have had breast cancer cases in your family (mother, aunt,grandmother, sister), the rule of 50 years does not apply.

Your doctor should ask you for that info to prescribe you the mammogram if required, irrespective of your age. In that case, insurance will pay.

Regards.

10
The cost for me without a GP referral and at Brust Zentrum (private) was 467CHF total, of course I paid only a portion of this with my insurance which is not private but basic. I chose this clinic based on reviews and feedback from friends who have gone here. Breast cancer runs in my family so having an inital screening (I am 40) was my biggest concern, not the cost. I actually thought it would have been quite a bit more.

This covered a mammogram, where the images were shared with me directly after by the Dr. and she went over everything, plus a thorough ultrasound (took about 10-15') where they take images of your breasts for future reference as well. In Addition, the usual breast exam + discussion after. I was happy with the service and the doctor. They recommended I return in 7 years for the next one. Which I will not follow due to my history and will continue to do one each year. I hope that helps someone with the info.

11
Just to inform and update, a lot depends on the Canton. Some cantons have special screening programs inviting at risk age groups for screening. In VD, as I understand it used to be free, but now 90% of costs are covered by basic health insurance. This is for women who get a letter every 2 years between age 50-74. I understand GE has something similar if not better.

12
It is better organized in the Romandie, of course. However, given that breast cancer occurs at ages younger than 40 in some women and is particularly aggressive in younger women, the best response is to engage your gyn.

It's difficult for men here (about 4% of all breast cancers in the US), as the infrastructure is poor if you're not female, but there are breast surgeons, oncologists, etc to consult.

There are varieties of breast cancer which do not show up on a mammogram, but more as an irregularity of the breast skin, nipple discharge, etc., so that's why it's important to talk to your gyn at any age. Of course, people still do not believe that breast cancer is possible in young women, but it is. If you feel your gyn is blowing you off, then get another opinion.

I was lucky, was diagnosed in my 50's with garden variety invasive ductal carcinoma, had chemo and rads and after almost 9 years, am still no evidence of disease. Not cancer free, because the shit can come back at any time - even 20 years after initial diagnosis. Just another bit of life's suckage.

My mammogram costs about 200 chf and my ultrasound, physical exam from my gyn is another 200 or so.

13
Basic mandatory health insurance covers 1 mammogram per 2 years for women over 50. If your family has a history of breast cancer, 1 mammogram every 1 year is covered.

Many supplemental insurances cover it completely, some without a deductible. It's worth checking your coverage.