Recent discussions have shed light on limitations in Medicare and other payer policies regarding breast imaging tests for asymptomatic women, particularly those with dense breasts. Major changes to FDA mammography quality standards regulations, effective September 2024, will soon require mammography reports to include breast density information.  

Many believe that screening mammograms alone may not adequately reveal abnormalities for women with dense breasts. While coverage exists for follow-up diagnostic breast imaging studies, such as diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound scans, and breast MRI, these additional tests come with out-of-pocket costs for patients.  

Legislation like the Find It Early Act, introduced in Congress last year, aims to change this by requiring all payers to cover supplemental breast imaging services beyond screening mammograms, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. Take action now by sending a message to your members of Congress in support of The Find It Early Act.  

To learn more about breast cancer screening recommendations, listen to our latest Zotec Answers podcast. In this episode, Mark Isenberg sits down with Dr. Cathrine Keller to discuss the latest USPSTF recommendations for breast cancer screenings.