Mercy Health now offers mammograms without a doctor referral, the health care company announced this week.

It is the first in the region to do so, according to Mercy Health officials. The “self-referral” system is available to women who are 40 or older, do not show signs or symptoms of breast cancer, and have a physician or health-care provider to receive test results.

The self-referral system eliminates one more barrier to women getting a mammogram, said Sandy Michalski, regional radiology director.

Women without a physician can make an appointment to get help finding one. Financial assistance options for mammograms are available.

Mammograms are available at all Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, St. Anne Hospital, and St. Charles Hospital, as well as Mercy Health imaging centers in Perrysburg and Sylvania.

To schedule an appointment, call Mercy Health’s main scheduling phone number, 419-251-3993.

First Published October 21, 2016, 4:00 a.m.