Locations:
Search IconSearch

Can Anyone Get a 3D Mammogram, and Is It Covered By Insurance?

The short answer from a radiologist

Person in a patterned hospital gown with doctor over their shoulder

Q: Can anyone get a 3D mammogram, and is it covered by insurance?

A: Yes and yes, with some exceptions. Three-dimensional (3D) mammograms can be used for routine screening mammography. They are gaining popularity and are widely covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Many research studies show that 3D mammography — technically called digital breast tomosynthesis — offers better results than conventional 2D mammography. It may be particularly effective for women with dense breast tissue or who are at high risk for breast cancer.

3D mammograms can better pick up invasive cancers and avoid the false alarms common with 2D mammography, particularly when breast tissue is dense.

Both 2D and 3D mammograms use X-rays to create detailed images of your breast, in order to detect masses or other abnormalities.

But in 3D mammography, an X-ray tube moves in an arc around each breast, capturing multiple imaging “slices” at different angles. These images are sent to a computer and reconstructed, to create a 3D model of your breast tissue in 1-millimeter slices that the radiologist reviews.

For women, the comfort level for 3D mammograms is similar to that of 2D mammograms. After positioning your breast tissue, a technician gently compresses it between a plate and a comfort paddle. The gradual, even compression creates a sense of pressure.

The radiation dose for a 3D mammogram (breast tomosynthesis) is slightly higher than the dose used for standard mammography but falls within U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved safety levels for mammography radiation. (Some 3D systems use doses similar to conventional mammography.)

Advertisement

Anyone who’s who is interested in having 3D mammography should check with their healthcare provider to see if it makes sense for them ― as well as their insurer, to confirm that it’s covered in their state. Some states mandate that insurers cover 3D mammograms, while others may not.

— Diagnostic radiology specialist Laura Dean, MD.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Female asleep on couch on backyard deck next to laptop and glasses
February 22, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Does Breast Cancer Treatment Make You Tired?

The answer is yes — but there are things you can do to help boost your energy

Female swimmer in the water at edge of a pool
December 1, 2023/Women's Health
Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Physical activity and weight management can minimize your chances of getting the disease

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023/Cancer Care & Prevention
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

Get Vacinnated
November 28, 2023/Parenting DEPRECATE
Evie's General Test Post

What a nice subtitle we've got here!

doctor talking about breast health
October 4, 2023/Cancer Care & Prevention
Myths Explained: Breast Cancer Symptoms

Lumps may move and you may feel pain, but breast discharge typically isn’t a sign of cancer

Physician and patient talk about breast health during office appointment.
14 Breast Cancer Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Being informed can help you feel more confident about your care decisions

breast cancer spreading
October 7, 2022/Cancer Care & Prevention
Where Does Breast Cancer Spread?

Metastatic breast cancer can spread anywhere in your body

Person cutting salmon and fresh vegetables on dinner plate.
The Best Foods To Eat When You Have Breast Cancer

Opt for fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein to stay healthy

Trending Topics

person leaning over sink brushing teeth
What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?

Estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the month — and throughout your life — can make you more prone to dental health concerns

Overhead view, female and male in kitchen preparing food, christmas tree and baking pans
How To Avoid Hometown Anxiety and Holiday Regression

Stay merry and bright by knowing your triggers and journaling throughout your visit

Older woman awake in bed in the middle of the night looking a smartphone
Does Menopause Cause Insomnia and Sleeplessness?

Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available

Ad