ABSTRACT
Healthcare within the UK National Health Service (NHS) is provided free from costs to the patient at the point of need and is funded through the general taxation system. Many private healthcare insurance companies also exist which fund independently operated healthcare organisations whereby people can choose to access for certain healthcare needs if they opt to pay into such a system or if their employers provide this type of staff benefit. Others may choose a private healthcare organisation to avoid NHS waiting times if they have a pressing need and then pay directly for an episode of care. This chapter focuses on breast imaging delivered within the NHS only.
