Frequently Asked Questions about Bonnie's Bus

Q. What is the prevalence of breast cancer?

A. WV has the 4th highest cancer mortality in the nation. Nationally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women ages 25 to 44. Among women over 40, mammography screening has been shown to reduce death rates by up to 25 percent.

Q. Where is breast cancer screening most needed in the state?

A. We have several WV counties which exceed the US breast cancer mortality rate and therefore are our focus for 2010. These counties include: Berkeley, Cabell, Fayette, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Lewis, Logan, Marion, Mason, McDowell, Mineral, Mingo, Raleigh, Taylor, Wayne, and Wyoming. There are 10 counties in WV that have no mammography facilites. They are Brooke, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Monroe, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Richie, Tucker, and Wirt.

Q. What is Bonnie’s Bus?

A. Dedicated to providing women with state-of-the art breast cancer screening,, Bonnie’s Bus is a self-contained mobile unit that travels to sites across West Virginia, offering one-stop screening in a comfortable, convenient environment. Bonnie’s Bus is equipped with a digital mammography unit, ensuring that the screening test result is the most precise mammogram image available.

Q. Are there special considerations in scheduling the bus?

A. There is no cost to organizations to host Bonnie’s Bus. The Bus runs on its own generator, and requires a flat space at least 40 feet long with 13 feet of overhead clearance. Because it weighs 40,000 pounds, the parking area must have a flat, solid surface, like concrete or pavement.

MBRCC welcomes the assistance of community leaders and institutions in scheduling visits to areas where breast cancer screening is needed. To avoid interfering with local services, Bonnie's Bus cannot serve sites within five miles of a fixed-site mammography center unless the that center provides written consent. Local providers are invited to participate in the screening day activities with Bonnie's Bus.

Q. Where can I find the bus schedule?

A. The bus schedule is available on the website on the Bus Calendar.

Q. How do women schedule mammograms on the bus?

A. Information on the location of Bus visits is available on the Bonnie’s Bus website, local partner websites, newspaper and radio advertisements as well as brochures and posters posted locally. After determining a site that is most convenient, a woman can contact her primary care physician to attain a mammogram referral and contact the local partner to preregister and schedule her appointment with Bonnie’s Bus.

Q. What is the connection between MBRCC, the woman and the woman’s referring physician?

A. MBRCC board certified radiologists read all mammograms obtained on the bus. A computer-aided detection system serves as an additional review measure to flag areas of concern. Final results and recommendations will be sent both to the woman and her referring physician within 30 days. Bonnie's Bus can provide assistance in scheduling follow-up visits if needed.

Q. Where are women referred for follow-up care if necessary?

A. Women whose mammograms suggest a need for further diagnosis and treatment will be referred back to their local referring physician and healthcare facilities for diagnostic evaluation.

Q. How much does it cost a patient to utilize Bonnie’s Bus services?

A. Bonnie's Bus accepts private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and WVBCCSP payment. No woman over 40 is turned away for lack of payment. Our staff will work with all patients to match them up with resources to assist in paying for the mammograms. WVU works in close partnership with the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program to make sure women have access to this vital service.

Q. What do women need to bring to a Bonnie’s Bus appointment?

A. A social security number is required and women should bring their insurance information, driver’s license or picture ID, and a health care provider’s orders. Women should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointment to check-in with staff and complete the appropriate paperwork.

Q. How can my organization partner with Bonnie’s Bus?

A. To schedule Bonnie’s Bus access click on Request a Bus Visit. Other questions or suggestions can be directed to Jenny Ostien, at 304-293-2370, or 877-287-2272.