Surprised to learn that Medicare pays for

[question everything]

3-D mammography. But, the rep said, a "regular" 2-D should be preformed at the same time? Strange.

Anyone knows anything?

[hedda_foil]

1. I've had 3D mammography covered by Medicare but I don't remember if 2D was done concurrently.

Who/what did the rep represent? Your doctor? The mammo facility? Medicare?

[question everything]

4. Medicare. But thanks for confirming this (nt)

[still_one]

2. Tomosynthesis takes hundreds of cross section images that utilize software to combine them

to create a 3-D image of the breast. When the initial studies were done, it compared the results of both 3D and 2D done at the same time. The results of combining 3D and 2D results today are NOT very relevant, and many physicians do not recommend undergoing both at the same time, since that increases the dose of radiation, though it is still within acceptable standards.

Tomosysnthesis is clearly a more accurate mammogram

The biggest issue with mammograms are if the patient has highly dense breasts where abnormalities cannot easily be detected. MRIs are an acceptable alternative for women with high density breasts, though with any image technology a lot depends on the radiologist reading the panel.

I wouldn't rely on the advice of the rep. Ask your physician

[question everything]

5. The physician wants it.

I was asking for ultrasound because of the dense tissue and she suggested 3D, adding that she thought insurance would cover it. I was actually surprised that the Medicare rep confirmed it.

[still_one]

6. The physician sounds like they are willing to work with you. A lot of this depends on

a person's family history.

I don't believe most physicians would do just an MRI or ultrasound without also doing a mammogram though.

If you have the 3D mammogram you will get some information from that, and based on that information, you can discuss with your doctor if an MRI or US would add anything.

Take care

[Hoyt]

3. Since 3D is relatively new, doctors supposedly believe 2D and 3D are both needed. They are done at

same time, so you really don't see much difference. Doc who reads images will get better info with 3D, but I don't believe many docs are just doing 3D, at least right now. I am sure that one day, you'll just get what is called a 3D mammogram.

The way reimbursement rates are established, you don't really get charged for a full 2D and a full 3D in that the 3D is just a relatively small additional charge to the 2D mammogram.

The same screwed up system is used for a lot of medical procedures.