This news story is also available in Spanish.
For many women juggling countless responsibilities with family, work and more, lack of time and accessibility can make it hard to prioritize their own health care. Preventive care, like mammograms, often falls by the wayside. Understanding this reality, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan introduced its mobile mammogram pilot in June 2022, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities by bringing lifesaving breast cancer screenings directly to members in neighborhoods across Los Angeles and San Diego counties. To date, the program has hosted 72 mobile clinics and addressed care gaps for 1,350 members, who had previously delayed or missed their breast cancer screenings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer for women in the United States. Regular mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, and increase the chances of recovery.
Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield Promise, emphasized the program’s local impact — as well as Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan’s recent 4 out of 5 star rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance's (NCQA) Medicaid Health Plan Ratings 2024, in part, for improving access to preventive care. “By bringing mammograms directly to our members, we’re not only removing barriers to care, but also boosting the health of our communities. We know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives, and this program has already made a significant difference for so many women who otherwise might not have received timely screenings.”
Taking mammograms on the road
When choosing locations for the mobile clinics, the Blue Shield Promise team targets areas with the greatest need — high volume of members who need mammograms and where there are low screening rates. Mammogram vans or portable units are taken to familiar locations, including L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise health plans' Community Resource Centers, shopping centers and neighborhood health clinics. In the weeks before each event, a Blue Shield Promise coordinator calls eligible members within a five-mile radius who are due for their screening to help schedule mammograms and set up transportation, if needed. Conducted by certified mammogram technologists, the screenings are fully covered at no cost to members.
With strong early results and community support, the Blue Shield Promise team has successfully expanded the program’s reach across the region during the last two years, with plans to continue growth at new Community Resource Centers as they open in Los Angeles County.
Total mammogram clinics
- 2022 (June – December): 17 clinics - 5 in San Diego County, 12 in Los Angeles County
- 2023: 24 clinics - 7 in San Diego County, 17 in Los Angeles County
- 2024 (January – September): 31 clinics - 15 in San Diego County, 16 in Los Angeles County
Number of members who received mobile mammogram screenings
- 2022 (June – December): 369
- 2023: 465
- 2024 (January – September): 516
Building a community of care
Amanda Ruiz, senior program manager of Medi-Cal Quality Improvement at Blue Shield Promise, shared that care coordinators and technicians often receive positive feedback from members who might not have completed their mammograms otherwise.
“Many patients fear the discomfort of a mammogram, but most find it's not as bad as they anticipated," said Ruiz. She recalls one member, who had avoided the screening due to fear of pain and later reported, ‘It didn’t hurt like I thought it would, and I’m so glad I finally did it,’ and was relieved to have conquered her fear and completed her first mammogram.
Ruiz also highlighted the compassionate care provided by the mobile clinic teams. "Our staff creates a level of comfort members might not feel in a traditional doctor’s office. For example, we helped a shy patient who struggled to complete her forms, and our culturally responsive approach reassured her. Many Spanish-speaking members have also expressed their gratitude for the welcoming environment."
Blue Shield Promise member Louetta Ferrar was screened at the end of September at a mobile mammogram event at the Metro L.A. Community Resource Center. “I’m getting a mammogram today that I’ve been putting off, and decided to take charge of my health,” she said. “If it wasn’t for this appointment, I wouldn’t have learned about this Center, so I’m now looking forward to taking part of some of the activities they have here, like yoga and meditation.”
Ruiz said this is not uncommon: “The mobile clinics have also opened the door to additional resources, addressing other health-related questions and making a real difference in members’ overall well-being.”
Resources
Mobile mammogram events are open to Blue Shield Promise members due for a screening. Preventive care, including breast cancer screenings and mammograms, is typically covered at no out-of-pocket cost. Contact Blue Shield Promise member services to learn more:
- Los Angeles County: (800) 605-2556 (TTY:711). 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- San Diego County: (855) 699-5557 (TTY: 711). 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Visit the Blue Shield Promise web site for more information on the health plan.