How You Can Help
How to Request Film
For Uninsured Patients
Prior to being screened on the mobile unit, the patient should fill out the release form allowing M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to release films to the clinic/doctor indicated by the patient. This form will be provided by the site coordinator.
Authorization for Release of Original Mammograms (pdf)
After recall notification, the patient or site coordinator should fax the signed film request, if approved, to M. D. Anderson’s Film Library at (713) 563-6404.
A follow-up call should be placed to the film library to make sure the faxed form was received.
Patients should be certain to let the operator at the film library know that they are requesting information, or give a tracking number related to Mobile Mammography film release.
If a patient is requesting film to be sent for a follow-up examination, the patient and site coordinator should understand that, if the appointment is less than 10 days from date of film release request, M. D. Anderson recommends that film be picked up by the patient.
In addition, if special shipping methods are requested or applied, it is the patient's responsibility to cover the additional costs.
Film Request Procedures
- If you receive notification of recall based on the mammography results, request a film release form from M. D. Anderson. If receiving care at M. D. Anderson, you should have all past films transferred to M. D. Anderson from the treating physician or hospital holding them. If receiving care at another location, request that your film be sent from M. D. Anderson to the medical provider chosen for follow-up care. You may choose to have all past film transferred to one location and stored permanently, which may be beneficial depending on the treatment recommended and the location of films.
- Film release forms may be obtained by calling the film library at (713) 792-6211 or by calling the Mobile Mammography scheduling line at (713) 745-4000.
- A patient may obtain tracking numbers at the time the film is requested for mailing.
- If a patient has a follow-up visit scheduled in fewer than 10 days from the time of the release request, it is recommended that the patient pick up the film from the film library, to ensure that the film will arrive for the appointment.
- If there are any questions about the process of obtaining film, or about having the mailing of film expedited, etc., call M. D. Anderson’s Film Library at (713) 792-6211. Inform the film library that you are requesting Mobile Mammography films.