Physicians' awareness of mammography charges

Although physicians commonly report cost as a barrier to screening mammography, their awareness of mammography charges is unknown. Using a statewide sample, we assessed accuracy of primary care physicians' estimates of mammography charges among 506 eligible physicians who returned questionnaires. Differences between estimated charges and actual charges at their mammography referral facilities were small (mean = $2.74, median = 0) and unrelated to physicians' specialty, age, gender, or practice type. We conclude that physicians are cognizant of mammography charges. Overestimates in charges may not explain low mammographic screening rates.