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New Policy Requires PA Insurers to Cover 3D Mammograms at No Extra Cost to Patients
October 13, 2015 3:33 PM
Pennsylvania insurers are now required to cover all screening mammograms, including 3D, at no out-of-pocket cost to consumers, according to a new policy announced by Gov. Wolf on Oct. 5. "The Pennsylvania Radiological Society Breast Imaging Committee supports Gov. Wolf's and the Insurance Commissioner's efforts to reduce barriers to patient use of 3D mammography," said Marcela Böhm-Vélez, MD, FACR, chairperson of the Committee. "It is hoped that reimbursement will align with the costs of providing this important service."
JACR article on the breast density conundrum
January 26, 2014 11:59 PM
As a breast cancer survivor, Mary Lou Smith, JD, MBA, expresses her views on the breast density debate in the Dec. 2013 issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Breast Density Notification Act
January 20, 2014 10:21 AM
On Nov. 1, 2013, Governor Corbett signed into law, SB358, the Breast Density Notification Act, which becomes effective Jan. 30, 2014. It mandates that all patients who undergo mammography be informed of their breast density and that the following paragraph be inserted verbatim into the mammogram summary letter given to patients:
"This notice contains the results of your recent mammogram, including information about breast density. If your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense, you should know that dense breast tissue is a common finding and is not abnormal. Statistics show many women could have dense or highly dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may be associated with an increased risk of cancer. This information about the result of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and to inform your conversations with your physician. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you, based on your mammogram results, individual risk factors or physical examination. A report of your results was sent to your physician."
Our Breast Imaging Committee also recommends adding the following for clarification:
Your mammographic breast density on today's study is “__”.(Fatty, Scattered, Heterogeneously dense, or Extremely dense). There are four categories of breast density on mammography. Fatty breasts and those with scattered fibroglandular tissue are not considered dense. Heterogeneously dense or extremely dense tissue is considered “dense”. Please understand that assessment of breast density may vary from year to year.
Rep. Altmire Speaks to Pittsburgh Radiologists
March 15, 2013 11:14 AM
On March 8, 2012, Congressman Jason Altmire gave the annual Hornick Lecture to the Pittsburgh Roentgen Society, the Pittsburgh affilitate of the Pennsylvania Radiological Society. His talk focused on government policies and laws affecting radiology and health care. The talk was well-received and was followed by an informative Q&A session.
Mammography Save Lives
October 09, 2010 3:28 PM
A new web site provides the latest facts about mammographic screening for breast cancer. The current recommendation for most women is to have annual screening beginning at age 40. See https://www.acraccreditation.org/mammography-saves-lives for details.