AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2006 Bulletin 1
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center Announces Revised Assessment of Full-Field Digital Mammography
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center Announces Revised Assessment of Full-Field Digital Mammography Citing the results of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network's Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), 1 the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) reversed its July 2002 decision on the appropriateness of full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The TEC previously determined that due to insufficient evidence, FFDM did not meet all of the following five TEC criteria for clinical effectiveness and appropriateness: The technology must have final approval from the appropriate governmental regulatory bodies. The scientific evidence must permit...
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Article Overview
This short news-style article reviews a revised Blue Cross Blue Shield Technology Evaluation Center assessment of full-field digital mammography and places it in the context of earlier evidence reviews and newer trial results. It is relevant to radiology practices, payer policy readers, and coding or reimbursement professionals who track medical technology assessments and coverage trends. The article focuses on the evidence basis for the reassessment, the comparison of digital and film mammography in screening, and the potential reimbursement impact.
Why This Topic Matters
Payer technology assessments can influence access, reimbursement, and operational planning for imaging services. Readers involved in radiology billing and reimbursement may use this article to understand why coverage discussions around mammography changed.
What You Will Learn
- How a payer technology evaluation can change after new evidence becomes available.
- What general type of evidence update prompted the reassessment of digital mammography.
- Why the article may be relevant to reimbursement and coverage discussions for imaging services.
- Who may find the article useful in a radiology or payer-policy context.
Who Should Read This
- Radiology billing and coding professionals
- Reimbursement and payer policy staff
- Medical practice administrators
- Diagnostic imaging providers
- Health policy readers
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