Women’s imaging encompasses many radiology procedures related to women and the diseases that are most prevalent to women such as breast cancer or gynecological issues. Mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsy are the most commonly used procedures.
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.
About 60% of those experiencing delays said they’ve struggled to find doctors who accept Medicare, the Radiology Business Management Association reports.
Moving away from a "one size fits all" approach to one that targets women at greater risk of developing the disease could help the UK's NHS better allocate scarce screening resources, experts wrote.
MRI exams are crucial for investigating fetal abnormalities, but past concerns have been expressed about whether the modality could affect intrauterine growth.
Beginning September 10, breast imaging facilities will be required to notify patients about the density of their breasts, among other regulatory changes.
On average, American women need to travel about 8 miles to reach the closest mammography screening facility or 23 miles for a breast MRI, experts noted.