The Assure Access To Mammography Act | Imaging Medical Solutions | Imaging Medical Solutions, Inc.

HR 5711: Mammography Legislation Introduced

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:39:06 -0400

April 15, 2008 (Imaging Economics)

On April 3, Rep Anthony D. Weiner (D-NY) introduced HR 5711, the Assure Access to Mammography Act of 2008, into the House.

The legislation would create a reimbursement floor for mammography services in 2009 equal to 115% of what was paid for the same services in 2008, subject to geographic area adjustment.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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HR 5711: Rep. Weiner to Introduce Mammography Reimbursement Legislation

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:11:24 -0400

August 3, 2007 (Medical News Today)

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) said he plans to introduce a bill this week that would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for mammograms, with the aim of reversing a decline in the number of women receiving the exams, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Weiner said the measure, called the "Assure Access to Mammography Act," would help clinics offering mammograms stay open.

According to a report released last week by Weiner, the number of mammography clinics nationwide has decreased by more than 1,200, or 12%, since 1999 (Wessel, Orlando Sentinel, 7/31). The average cost for a mammogram has increased by 25% to $125 since 2005, while the Medicare reimbursement increased by 2% to $83.69 during the same time period, the report found. Sixty-seven mammography facilities have closed in New York City since 1999, a 26% decrease, according to the report (Weiner release, 7/22). The number of certified mammography clinics in Florida also decreased from 505 to 456 since 2001, according to the American Cancer Society.

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HR 5711: Access to Mammography at Risk

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:25:38 -0400

July 18, 2007 (Rep. Weiner @ house.gov)

1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 and older have a mammogram every year. Early detection through mammograms can give women hope by significantly increasing their chance of survival from breast cancer. Over the last 7 years, due to better technology, the number of breast cancer cases that have been diagnosed has increased by 20%. However, the percentage of women receiving mammograms has been on the decline since 2000.

The root of this decline has been the alarming rate at which mammogram facilities are closing down. Among the reasons for these closures is the fact that mammography is not a lucrative business. Due to high overhead, inflation and rising medical costs, and the low rate paid by Medicare, offering mammograms can actually result in a net loss for the facilities that provide them.

Medicare reimbursement rates for mammograms are well below the actual cost of performing the mammogram, causing some facilities to lose money just for giving the procedure. Private insurers base their reimbursement rates on Medicare levels, making this a concern for everyone in need of mammograms.

New advancements in technology and treatment for breast cancer have given women a better chance than ever to win the survive breast cancer. However stagnation as a result of closures and wait times has hindered these achievements. The time has come to reverse this trend.

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