Hologic - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Q	How has the growth of breast MRI affected "traditional" breast imaging (mammograms, breast ultrasound)? What are your predictions concerning the future of breast imaging?
A	Although Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has had tremendous growth since the 1980s when it first began to be used in medical diagnosis, mammography is still considered the "Gold Standard" for breast imaging. Neither breast MRI or ultrasound can be used as a screening tool to replace mammography due to their inability to detect microcalcifications. Recent studies have shown that breast MRI is very advantageous in various scenarios such as detecting ipsilateral tumors or contralateral disease in patients who have been previously diagnosed with a cancerous breast lesion and evaluating suspicious mammographic or sonographic findings that are indeterminate. Both modalities as they pertain to breast evaluation continue in a much needed supportive role. The future of breast imaging is unlimited and digital mammography is its platform. Many emerging technologies such as fusion imaging, contrast-enhanced mammography and breast tomosynthesis are made possible due to digital technology and promise to change the way we detect breast cancer. You can read more about emerging technologies on our web site at http://www.hologic.com/lc/whtpapers.htm.

Q	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.
A	The simple answer is about $40. Reimbursement for IVA is covered under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code (76077) and the national average is $39.41 this year and rising to $41 in 2007. Hologic offers a Discovery upgrade package for the 4500C system that provides the necessary hardware and software updates so that a fracture assessment (we call it Instant Vertebral Assessment or IVA) can be performed. I suggest contacting your local account representative to review what the reimbursement will be for the various insurance carriers in your area and at how Medicare reimbursement will break down this year and next for the professional and technical components. Or, visit The International Society for Clinical Densitometry web site, www.iscd.org, to review indications and their reimbursement section, which contains experience from ISCD members around the country.