Medicare Now Covering Imaging Technology for Breast Cancer Diagnoses

CMS on April 15 announced that Medicare will this year begin covering the use of imaging technology for biopsies of palpable lesions as a way to diagnose breast cancer, the AP/Washington Post reports. Currently, Medicare reimburses doctors for using imaging technology to conduct biopsies on nonpalpable lesions, or those that cannot be felt by hand. But doctors have said that even though a lesion may be palpable, it will not necessarily be simple to biopsy. A stereotactic or ultrasound system gives doctors a better guide on where to insert the biopsy needle and is less invasive than surgical biopsy, the AP/Post reports. Dr. Sean Tunis, director of CMS' Coverage and Analysis Group, said, "By expanding access to this diagnostic test, we are improving the quality of care for many Medicare beneficiaries" (AP/Washington Post, 4/25).