April 16, 2002 WASHINGTON (AP) -- Medicare beneficiaries will have more options to having breast cancer diagnosed under expanded coverage announced by the government Monday.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it will expand the use of image guidance to include the biopsies of some palpable lesions, or lesions that can be felt by hand. Doctors have said that just because a lesion can be felt by hand does not mean that it will be easy to biopsy.
With image-guided biopsy, imaging technology such as a stereotactic or ultrasound system guides doctors where to insert the biopsy needle. Image guidance also provides a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy, in which a piece of tissue is surgically removed.
The agency began three years ago paying for image guidance to biopsy nonpalpable lesions, which cannot be felt by hand.
"By expanding access to this diagnostic test, we are improving the quality of care for many Medicare beneficiaries," said Dr. Sean Tunis, director of the centers' Coverage and Analysis Group.
The new benefit will be put in use this year.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. It is the most common cause of cancer deaths in women age 65 and older.
Copyright 2002 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
