New policy provides coverage of a more accurate mammogram, the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, for 12.5 million members nationwide


Hologic Inc. applauds Cigna's decision to cover breast tomosynthesis for routine breast cancer screening.Effective immediately, this new policy provides Cigna subscribers insurance coverage for Hologic's Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, the only mammogram clinically proven to detect cancer 15 months earlier than traditional 2D screenings.2



Cigna is the first national insurer to provide coverage of 3D™ mammograms for annual breast cancer screening for all women over age 40, and for high-risk women starting at age 25. Cigna changed its policy based on recent guidance from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), which highlighted extensive clinical research supporting the benefits of breast tomosynthesis. With this policy change, the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, shown to detect 40 percent more invasive cancers and reduce recalls by up to 41 percent, is now covered for the majority of women across the United States. 3,4



"We commend Cigna for its decision to cover 3D™ mammograms for breast cancer screening and are thrilled for the millions of women who now have access to this proven technology without co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses," said Pete Valenti, Hologic's Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions. "We urge other national insurers to follow Cigna's lead, because every woman in America deserves access to the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, which detects more invasive cancers, earlier, and helps give women the best possible chance at survival."



Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams have been available in the U.S. since 2011, and are only available on the Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® mammography system. More than 100 clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of this exam and in 2015, an estimated 10 million women in the U.S. benefited from a Genius™ exam. Additional information, as well as a locator to find imaging sites offering the exams, can be found athttp://mygenius3d.com.



Source & Image Credit: Hologic



Reference:


1 "Cigna Revises Policy, Will Cover 3D Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening." Cigna, a Global Health Insurance and Health Service Company. Accessed online 23 Aug. 2016.


2 McDonald ES, Oustimov A, Weinstein SP, et al. Effectiveness of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Compared With Digital Mammography. JAMA Oncol. 2016.


3 Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, et al. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography. JAMA. 2014;311(24):2499-2507.


4 Rose SL, Tidwell AL, Bujnoch LJ, et al. Implementation of breast tomosynthesis in a routine screening practice: an observational study. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013;200(6):1401-1408.


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Hologic,Cigna,Breast Tomosynthesis,Breast Cancer Screening Hologic Applauds Cigna as First National Insurer to Cover Breast Tomosynthesis for Routine Breast Cancer Screening