Literally paying the price!

HELLO:)

I am getting ready to go have a mammogram and an ultra sound done on the lump under my arm. It's costing me $400.00 for this since I have no insurance and don't have the opportunity to get it again until January 2011. I know that having a biopsy is the next step. I understand there are 2 or 3 different procedures. My question is...
Can someone tell me about how much I can expect to pay for a biopsy. I'm sure the cost varies from state to state. I'm just looking for a general amount. Thank you for your time.

[zouzi]

Hi,
I am not sure how much it will cost you to have a lymph node biopsy,but you might try to contact "The Susan G. Komen Foundation", there should be an affiliate in your area and could give you good information concerning your situation,especially if you don't have insurance or available funds.
Also you could contact your local department of health and human services or department of social work (should be in the phone book). In most major cities, there are medical facilities that will take fees on a sliding scale based on income or have plans for people who do not have adequate insurance coverage. These offices should know where you can obtain medical care in your area.
I hope that everything will turn up just fine for you...
Best wishes and good luck.  :)  

[iam1butterfly]

It depends on the kind of biopsy in question. Surgical/ excisional or sterotactic/ needle? I've had both, so I'll give you the cost break down for both.

Surgical biopsy in 2005 (California):
Diagnostic mammogram along with guide wire placement was $198.
Out-patient surgical facility charged $2,005. Surgeon's fees were $846.
Anesthesia was $368. Pathology was $425.

3 years ago (California), I had a sterotactic/ needle biopsy... the entire procedure, which was performed at the radiological facility where I have my mammograms, cost $1204 (which included the placement of a titanium clip). Pathology cost $175.

It's dated info, I know... but, hopefully this gives you some idea as to the kind of costs that are involved. Best of luck to you... take care!