Hologic - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


	I am wondering if I have to have a registered mammography technologist during covering mammography while we wait to receive our ACR accreditation notice. Or, do I have to wait until I hire a registered mammography technologist?

	We currently use R2's CAD for our screen-film mammography cases and we are looking to go digital. We would like to stay with R2 and wonder if it is compatible with all digital mammography systems.

	As an Australian trained radiographer, I am seeking evidenced based information for "plain abdominal radiography" versus 'abdominal ultrasound". There is an apparent lack of clinical restriction of abdominal x-ray for women & children in instances of vomiting. My training is that ultrasound precedes radiography unless obstruction or perforation is indicated. Internet source/links would be appreciated.

	My question relates to moving towards an "all digital" mammography department. Would 2 Hologic digital units meet the needs of 8,000 examinations per year?

	Is the higher Medicare reimbursement for digital mammography being phased out? If so when?

	With decreased reimbursement for mammography in general, how can outpatient care facilities justify investing in CAD?

	With diagnostic breast imaging studies becoming more complex and data-intensive, how can CAD simplify or streamline the process?

	Why isn't MRI used more for breast cancer screening?

	Is there any logic to shift from screen-film to digital mammography in an established imaging center with sufficient number of patients? What is the financial justification, including reimbursement, for transitioning to digital?

	Which breast imaging modality is best for screening women with dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer?

	Is screening breast ultrasound reimbursable?

	How much validity is there in the data that using the soft cushion pads with digital mammography improves the image to some degree?

	What does the future hold for computer aided detection (CAD)?

	What are the most important questions to ask when choosing a breast imaging CAD system?

	Is there a significant difference between extremity MRI and conventional radiography in monitoring treatment effectiveness for women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

	What is breast tomosynthesis?

	What is the significance of DMIST and how were the DMIST trials conducted?

	Is there a special CPT code for IVA?

	Can Hologic digital mammograms be read on GE workstations?

	How has the growth of breast MRI affected "traditional" breast imaging (mammograms, breast ultrasound)? What are your predictions concerning the future of breast imaging?

	What is the amount (average) of reimbursement for this IVA exam or view? Medicare and Private Insurance? We are planning on upgrading our Hologic 4500 C to a Delphi with this capability and would like to know the above if possible.

	What is contrast-enhanced mammography?

	What is the regulatory risk with electronic storage of mammography images? Are you aware of any facilities who have encountered system crashes and were unable to recover images?

	Is there any data available supporting the profitability of outpatient mammography screening centers as business ventures?

	Is there a code for billing breast ultrasound with color flow for an abnormality seen on a mammogram?

	Who has the best CR digital mammography system and how much does it cost. Is the image quality better than Hologic full field digital?

	We are considering a new breast biopsy system and hear discrepancies on whether saline helps in the process of acquiring tissue samples. Is there any definitive evidence that you can share?