SAT. JUNE 21, 9 – 1. CALL 832.6600 TODAY FOR YOUR APPT.!!!
BREAST CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES!!
“Breast cancer screening with mammography is the only screening technique that has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality,” according to Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Dr. Michelle Kim. “Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the accounts for the second highest rate of cancer related deaths in North American women.” Breast cancer screening recommendations have evolved over the past few years, explained Dr. Kim, but despite this there is consensus that mammography should be done at least biennially for women between the ages of 50 and 74 years old. For women in their 40s and for women above 75, screening intervals should be individualized based on a woman’s personal breast cancer risks and screening preferences. It’s important that women talk about their particular risks and needs with their health care provider.
Eastern Plumas Health Care will offer a day dedicated to this important screening recommendation. On Saturday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Dr. Michelle Kim is accepting appointments to review patients’ breast health history and perform a breast exam, which will be followed immediately by a digital mammogram. Patients can call 832.6600 to schedule their appointment.
This screening is the first in a series of monthly Saturday preventive health screenings and tests offered by EPHC. Each one will feature a different preventive health service that is deemed “essential” under the Affordable Care Act. These services, including a state of the art digital mammogram, are covered in large part without any out of pocket cost to patients with insurance. That includes private insurance, the new Covered CA insurance, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. The short breast exam appointment with Dr. Kim may require a small patient co-pay depending on insurance. There are a mind-boggling number of plans, so patients who aren’t sure of their coverage should contact their plan or call EPHC’s Business Office at 832.6570. “We’ll be happy to look up details of a patient’s coverage for them,” said Business Services Supervisor, Lisa Terry. Further, patients without insurance can take part in this important screening day by paying just $80 at the time of their appointment.
“We hope that women who might normally pass on a mammogram will be drawn by the fact that they get both a breast exam appointment with a much-loved doctor and a digital mammogram all at the same time, for very little money, and on a Saturday when it might be easier to make it to an appointment,” said EPHC’s CEO, Tom Hayes. “If we can save one life with this screening, it will be worth it.”