Recently, during one of the Women's Health Weeks, an uninsured female patient of NorthShore Health Centers, we will call her Jane Doe to protect her identity, scheduled an appointment for a complete physical with a pap smear and breast exam. Upon the examination the physician noted several masses in her right breast. The physician ordered a series of diagnostic tests which included a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy of the right breast. The biopsy of the breast confirmed a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Due to Jane not having insurance and living on a fixed income, it was very difficult to find a specialist who would take her as a patient. With a lot of effort and hard work from NorthShore's Outreach and Nursing Departments, we were able to find a surgeon to biopsy the mass at no charge and immediately following this surgery, we were able to get her set up to see an oncologist at a discounted rate. With lots of effort and follow through from the staff at NorthShore Health Centers, we were able to get Jane covered through Medicaid.
We are proud to say Jane is now cancer free and is still continuing her care at NorthShore. If not for Community Health Centers providing care for the medically underserved and low-income individuals like Jane, they would not get the healthcare they desperately need.
NorthShore Health Centers is offering women's health screenings to celebrate women's health during the week of May 9 - 13th. The screenings include:
- Breast Exam
- Cholesterol Profile
- Pap Test*
- Mammogram*
*Pap Smears and Mammograms are ordered based on family history, age and recommended guidelines the from American Cancer Society and/or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Bone Density Screenings will also be offered:
- Monday, 5/9/11: Lake Station Clinic from 8 am to 4 pm
- Wednesday, 5/11/11: Portage Scottsdale Clinic from 8 am to 4 pm
$25 charge includes testing. Uninsured or underinsured women only.
For appointments or more information, call 219.763.8112
Women's Health Week is sponsored by NorthShore Health Centers. NorthShore would like to thank Methodist Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their contributions to this event. Businesses interested in contributing should contact the administration offices.
We offer three locations to serve you:
Visit the North Shore website
6450 US Highway 6
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: 219-763-8112
- 3564 Scottsdale St, Portage
- 6450 US Highway 6, Portage
- 2490 Central Ave, Lake Station