Politics & Government

Low-Cost Women's Health Screening Offered

Uninsured or under-insured residents can sign up for low cost mammograms and gynecological screening.

As part of ongoing Womens' health programs, the is announcing gynecological and mammography screening exams at a reduced cost for uninsured or underinsured women in member towns.

Most often those who participate in such programs have no health insurance, but residents in member towns should contact the health department if they are underinsured, said Bernards Health Officer Lucy Forgione.

“Early detection of disease and illness allows people the best treatment options and saves lives,” Forgione said.

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The Bernards Township Health Department is a contractual health agency for member towns of Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Peapack-Gladstone Borough.

The Gynecological Screening Exam is for uninsured women at least 20 years old. A $25 co-pay is required which must be paid to the Bernards Township Health Department at which time a voucher will be issued for the appointment, according to information from the health department.

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The voucher for the gynecological screening exam is good for one gynecological visit including medical history, physical, breast and cervical cancer screening, and patient education, according to the health department. All results requiring medical follow-up will be reported as soon as possible directly to the patient. All exams take place at Women’s Health and Counseling Center, 71 Fourth St., Somerville.

The Mammography Screening Exam is for uninsured women over 40 years old, according to the health department. The cost is $90 payable at the appointment. A voucher must be picked up prior the appointment at the Bernards Township Health Department. The exam takes place at The Radiology Center at Harding, 1201 Mt. Kemble Ave. in Morristown. Forgione said the township has an agreement with the health care providers.

The voucher for Mammography Screening Exam includes one screening mammography, including an x-ray examination of the breast at a center accredited by the American College of Radiology and read by an experienced radiologist. The client will also receive breast self-exam instructions. Results will be available within seven business days. All HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements are followed for both screening programs.

Required vouchers for the gynecological and mammography screening exams are available at The Bernards Township Health Department, 262 S. Finley Avenue in Basking Ridge from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (908) 204–2520 or visit the Bernards Township Health Department's website.

This announcement of available screenings coincides with the National Women’s Health Week, taking place May 13 to 19 for this year. National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is, “It’s Your Time,” seeking to empower women to make their health a top priority.

Women are encouraged to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risk of certain diseases: Schedule an annual checkup or preventive screening test; avoid risky behaviors such as smoking or not wearing a seatbelt; make healthy eating and regular physical activity a habit; reduce stress and get enough sleep.


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