HCPro.com - Mammography Regulation and Reimbursement Report

MRRR 2010 index

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:03:00 GMT

MRRR 2010 index

FDA approves breast density evaluation tool

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Radiologists have a new tool to help them determine a woman’s breast density. In December 2010, the FDA gave marketing clearance for breast imaging software created by Volpara, Ltd., that calculates breast tissue density based on a woman’s screening mammogram. Volpara^TM breast imaging software works by applying an algorithm to the raw digital images to determine volumetric tissue density. The software is currently available for Hologic^TM and GE digital mammography systems. Other systems are being validated.

MRI surveillance an alternative to mastectomy for high-risk women

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:59:00 GMT

MRI is better at finding early cancers in high-risk women than mammography. Regular screening with MRI may reduce the death rate from the disease in these women as well, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO).

To encourage screening, educate physicians

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:56:00 GMT

For many women who decide to seek a mammogram, the biggest influence on their decision generally is not statistics about how screenings could save their lives. Nor is their choice usually prompted by public service messages or comments from friends and family members. Instead, women generally decide to get a mammogram when their family doctors encourage them to schedule an appointment.

Mammography Regulation and Reimbursement Report, January 2011

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:51:00 GMT

Mammography Regulation and Reimbursement Report December 2010

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Inside:

The new year brings more privacy and security concerns
Reducing risk part of the mammography experience at Michigan breast center
Boost your bottom line: Roll two screenings into one
Digital breast tomosynthesis has potential to reduce recalls

The new year brings more privacy and security concerns

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

The new year promises to bring more than just personal resolutions. For breast imaging facilities, it will also bring new headaches when it comes to privacy and security issues, according to Joan Antokol, managing partner at Park International in Indianapolis.

Reducing risk part of the mammography experience at Michigan breast center

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

A Michigan breast center offers women more than just your basic mammogram. Through a program it calls MammoPlus (a name currently in the trademarking process), The Comprehensive Breast Center at the Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids not only screens women for cancer, but also performs a simple, seven-question risk assessment to help identify women at high risk for breast cancer. Women who score a 20% or higher lifetime risk are referred to the breast center’s high-risk program, says Carole Gentry, RN, CNML, the breast center manager.

Boost your bottom line: Roll two screenings into one

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Looking to improve cancer care for patients and help bring in more revenue to your hospital at the same time? Use your mammography program to help encourage other types of cancer screenings.

Digital breast tomosynthesis has potential to reduce recalls

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is one step closer to hitting the U.S. market after the FDA’s Radiologic Devices Panel unanimously voted in September that the Hologic^TM Selenia^®Dimensions^TM system is effective and safe and that the benefits of the technology outweigh the risks.

Technologist indicted for tampering with records

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:43:00 GMT

Lead interpreting physicians need to take an active role in assuring regulatory compliance, says Gerald Kolb, JD, a breast imaging expert and former attorney who is president of Kolb Strategies in Bend, OR.

New resource helps encourage screening in younger women; website intends to offset negative messages

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:41:00 GMT

The ACR, Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and American Society of Breast Disease (ASBD) have created a website (www.mammographysaveslives.org) in hopes of counteracting some of the negative messages about mammography lately.

Norwegian study questions value of mammography

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:39:00 GMT

In September, another log was added to the fire in the raging debate over the value of screening mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality.

Support radiologists to avoid fatigue and mistakes

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:35:00 GMT

A tired radiologist is not an accurate radiologist.

Mammography Regulation and Reimbursement Report, November 2010

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:32:00 GMT

A tired radiologist is not an accurate radiologist.

Business associates are still business associates; HITECH includes new criminal penalties

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:29:00 GMT

Q. In a previous edition of Q&A, one of the Q&As discussed who must send out breach notification letters if the business associate (BA) was responsible for the breach. The answer was covered entities. Didn’t HITECH make BAs covered entities?

USPSTF mammography guideline cast aside in new HHS regulation; uses 2002 guidance instead

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:28:00 GMT

One more layer of protection has been put between women aged 40–50 and their screening mammograms.

Risks from radiation exposure must be weighed along with benefits of BSGI and PEM

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:25:00 GMT

Some facilities are using breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) or positron emission mammography (PEM) to help clarify diagnoses or reveal the extent of breast disease. But the technique carries a risk of radiation-induced cancers, according to a new study published in Radiology.

Don’t drop your guard when it comes to the flu-get vaccinated

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:24:00 GMT

Fears about a widespread, deadly flu pandemic may have died down, but this year is no time to let your guard down about the flu.

Mammography Regulation and Reimbursement Report, October 2010

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Fears about a widespread, deadly flu pandemic may have died down, but this year is no time to let your guard down about the flu.