Womens Imaging

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.

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40
In many cases, these additional findings prompt providers to adjust their surgical plans, new data suggest.
Members of Congress reintroduce bill requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging
The Find It Early Act would ensure all women have access to supplemental exams, such as ultrasound and MRI, with no out-of-pocket costs.
Pennsylvania passes bill requiring coverage for supplemental breast imaging
It's slated to become the 31st state to finalize legislation eliminating out-of-pocket costs for follow-up exams after an abnormal screening mammogram.
Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications
From 2013 to 2022, the percentage of rads submitting breast care claims to Medicare dropped from about 47% down to 34%.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
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.

ChatGPT offers 'pretty amazing' recommendations on breast cancer screening, but oversight remains critical

A team of experts with the University of Maryland School of Medicine recently presented ChatGPT with a set of questions relative to breast cancer screening recommendations to determine whether the program could reliably offer appropriate guidance.

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) allows for reproducible breast imaging without variation based on which sonographer performs the exam. It also can help centers were they are short on qualified breast sonographers. Breast ultrasound can help identify cancers, or benign cysts, even in women with very dense breast tissue. At the GE Healthcare booth at RSNA.

Automated ultrasound excels for women with dense breasts

Could automated breast ultrasound replace handheld ultrasound?

Example of the four types of breast tissue density. The density of fibroglandular tissue inside the breast impacts the ability to easily see cancers. Cancers are very easy to spot in fatty breasts, but are almost impossible to find in extremely dense breasts. These examples show craniocaudal mammogram findings characterized as almost entirely fatty (far left), scattered areas of fibroglandular density (second from left), heterogeneously dense (second from right), and extremely dense (far right). RSNA

Breast density notification laws: How will the FDA's updates affect radiologists and referring providers?

The FDA will soon require mammography providers to inform all patients of their breast density status. To anticipate how the update might affect key stakeholders, it’s important to understand exactly what has changed.

Nearly 100,000 individuals sign petition demanding alternative to painful mammography

Dutch woman Murial van der Draaij first launched the effort, characterizing the traditional compression exam as "torture."

‘Startling’ study findings show persistent barrier to follow-up imaging after a mammogram

Women covered by commercial plans with higher out-of-pocket costs received significantly fewer subsequent procedures, experts wrote Monday in JAMA Network Open.

axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID booster

Follow-up imaging for reactive adenopathy s/p COVID booster might not be necessary

Experts recently gained a better understanding of how axillary lymphadenopathy presents on breast MRI following COVID boosters.

Is it OK to delay follow-ups for 'probably benign' abnormalities on mammography screening?

Many were concerned that delays in care inflicted by COVID restrictions also would potentially delay diagnoses, causing undue harm for patients.

Imaging center, partner hospital agree to pay $2M to settle False Claims Act case

Diagnostic Imaging Associates billed CMS for both service components, but the hospital was ineligible for reimbursement, the DOJ said.

Womens Imaging

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40

Members of Congress reintroduce bill requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging

Pennsylvania passes bill requiring coverage for supplemental breast imaging

Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds