M D Imaging

Thank you for your inquiry into MD Imaging's use of TomosynthesisMD Imaging has always tried to stay on the forefront of medical technology to ensure that our patients get the best care we can provideTomosynthesis, or Breast Tomosynthesis, is another step in that direction.MD Imaging was the
first imaging center in the North State to adopt Digital Mammography as our standard protocolWe were also the first to adopt Computer Aided Detection (CAD)At the time, many insurance carriers didn't pay for these eitherNow, they are accepted as the "Standard of Care." Breast Tomosynthesis is a 3D rendering od a Digital mammogramThe rendering is performed on a computer using very sophisticated computer software and is not an additional "procedure" conducted on the patientThe benefits of this technology can include: earlier detection of small breast cancers; greater accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of abnormalities; fewer unnecessary biopsies and additional tests; greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors; and clearer images of dense breast tissueIt is easy to find information on this technology on the internetYou might find the information*** ** *** (American College of Radiology Imaging Network); as well as many others, useful in researching this technology.To address the specifics of your inquiry...Breast Tomosynthesis was approved by the FDA back in and was accepted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for payment earlier this year as part of a patient's annual mammogramas with the adoption of many new technologies in the medical field, it can take some time before some private insurance companies follow suitIt is our belief that this will soon be accepted as the "Standard of Care" by all insurance companies and will be included, and paid for, as part of a patient's annual mammogramIn the meantime, when an insurance company denies payment for these services, we write off the charge and provide the service for free ( as is the case related to this inquiry)We do not believe this service should be withheld from our patients just because their insurance doesn't want to pay for itWe feel strongly that this technology will ultimately save lives in allowing us to detect cancers earlier in our patients: as well as reduce the number of patients that are asked to come back for a more comprehensive "diagnostic" mammogram when something "questionable" is foundIt is widely accepted that early detection of cancers increases the probability of a cureWe at MD imaging take pride in what we do and will continue to do our best to provide the best of care for our patientsAn integral part of that philosophy is adopting those technologies that are in the best interest of our patients.If you have any further questions or concerns, we will be happy to address them for you

Review: Reference: [redacted], Date of Service 6/11/2015

Prior to completing my annual mammogram, I contacted [redacted] to verify that said preventative medical procedure would be fully paid, with no cost to me.

Imagine my surprise when [redacted] contacted me to request my medical history in order to determine if a “”77063-Screening Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Bilateral” for $319.00 was medically necessary.

I did not knowingly agree to the medical procedure 77063. This procedure was not mentioned to me to by any MD Imaging staff. If this procedure is hidden in the “sign here” form, then I am he victim of MD Imaging overbilling and completing medical procedures without the knowing consent of the patient.

The $319.00 charge for [redacted] is to be removed from my bill immediately. In the future, MD Imaging us not to perform any additional procedures during my mammogram.

Sincerely, [redacted]Desired Settlement: The $319.00 charge for [redacted] is to be removed from my bill immediately. In the future, MD Imaging us not to perform any additional procedures during my mammogram.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your inquiry into MD Imaging's use of Tomosynthesis. MD Imaging has always tried to stay on the forefront of medical technology to ensure that our patients get the best care we can provide. Tomosynthesis, or Breast Tomosynthesis, is another step in that direction.MD Imaging was the first imaging center in the North State to adopt Digital Mammography as our standard protocol. We were also the first to adopt Computer Aided Detection (CAD). At the time, many insurance carriers didn't pay for these either. Now, they are accepted as the "Standard of Care." Breast Tomosynthesis is a 3D rendering od a Digital mammogram. The rendering is performed on a computer using very sophisticated computer software and is not an additional "procedure" conducted on the patient. The benefits of this technology can include: earlier detection of small breast cancers; greater accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of abnormalities; fewer unnecessary biopsies and additional tests; greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors; and clearer images of dense breast tissue. It is easy to find information on this technology on the internet. You might find the information[redacted] (American College of Radiology Imaging Network); as well as many others, useful in researching this technology.To address the specifics of your inquiry...Breast Tomosynthesis was approved by the FDA back in 2011 and was accepted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for payment earlier this year as part of a patient's annual mammogram. as with the adoption of many new technologies in the medical field, it can take some time before some private insurance companies follow suit. It is our belief that this will soon be accepted as the "Standard of Care" by all insurance companies and will be included, and paid for, as part of a patient's annual mammogram. In the meantime, when an insurance company denies payment for these services, we write off the charge and provide the service for free ( as is the case related to this inquiry). We do not believe this service should be withheld from our patients just because their insurance doesn't want to pay for it. We feel strongly that this technology will ultimately save lives in allowing us to detect cancers earlier in our patients: as well as reduce the number of patients that are asked to come back for a more comprehensive "diagnostic" mammogram when something "questionable" is found. It is widely accepted that early detection of cancers increases the probability of a cure. We at MD imaging take pride in what we do and will continue to do our best to provide the best of care for our patients. An integral part of that philosophy is adopting those technologies that are in the best interest of our patients.If you have any further questions or concerns, we will be happy to address them for you.