Mammography Service Update

After careful review, ANHC determined that continuing onsite mammography services would require significant equipment replacement and ongoing staffing resources. The decision was also influenced by workforce sustainability challenges, operational considerations, and long-term organizational planning. 

While this service is changing, ANHC remains committed to supporting preventive care and helping patients access breast cancer screening services. 

No. This decision is specific to onsite screening mammography services and reflects a unique combination of workforce, equipment, and operational factors. Patients should not interpret this change as a broader reduction in ANHC's commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services. 

Yes. Mammography services remain available through several imaging providers in the Anchorage area. Your ANHC care team can help connect you with appropriate screening services. 

Absolutely. ANHC providers and care teams will continue to: 

• Discuss breast cancer screening during patient visits 

• Identify patients who are due for screening 

• Provide referrals to community mammography providers 

• Conduct outreach to patients with screening care gaps 

• Support follow-up and care coordination when needed 

Patients with impacted appointments will be contacted directly by ANHC staff regarding next steps and referral options. If you have questions about an upcoming appointment, please contact us by calling or texting “TEXT ME” to 907-743-7200. 

Yes. Breast cancer screening remains an important preventive health measure. ANHC will continue monitoring screening needs and supporting patients who are due for recommended screenings. 

Our team can help. If you need assistance understanding your referral, identifying a mammography provider, or navigating the scheduling process, please contact ANHC by calling or texting “TEXT ME” to 907-743-7200. 

Financial assistance resources may be available to help eligible patients access breast cancer screening services. One such resource is the Alaska Breast and Cervical Screening Assistance Program, which helps eligible uninsured and underinsured Alaskans access important health screenings. The program covers the cost of mammograms and pap tests and pays for diagnostic tests if needed. It also helps connect Alaskans to financial support for treatment when necessary.  

Because mammography services will now be provided by community imaging organizations, eligibility requirements, financial assistance options, and billing practices may vary depending on the organization providing the service.  

If you do not have health insurance or have concerns about the cost of care, ANHC can help connect you with available resources and support you through the referral process. 

Because mammography services will now be provided by community imaging organizations rather than ANHC, patients should expect that mammography-related services will be subject to the policies, billing practices, and financial assistance programs of the organization providing the service. 

If you have questions about the cost of a mammogram, insurance coverage, or financial assistance options, we encourage you to contact the imaging provider directly. 

ANHC will continue to support patients through referrals, care coordination, and resource navigation to help minimize barriers to screening. 

For eligible uninsured and underinsured patients, the Alaska Breast and Cervical Screening Assistance Program may provide assistance. The program helps eligible Alaskans get important health screenings. The program covers the cost of mammograms and pap tests and pays for diagnostic tests if needed. It also helps connect Alaskans to financial support for treatment when necessary. 

If transportation is a barrier to receiving care, please discuss this with your care team. ANHC will continue working with patients to identify available resources and support services when possible. 

Community imaging providers offer both screening mammography and access to additional diagnostic imaging services when needed. Your ANHC provider will continue to receive information related to your care and work with you on any necessary follow-up. 

This change does not affect your ability to receive primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, laboratory, nutrition, or other services offered by ANHC. Your provider will continue helping coordinate your care and preventive health needs. 

If you have questions about mammography services, referrals, or scheduling, please contact ANHC by calling or texting “TEXT ME” to 907-743-7200. We remain committed to helping patients access the preventive care services they need.