Emergency Coalition to Save CANCER IMAGING

Medical imaging (CT Scan, Mammography, MRI, etc) is critical to the early detection of many forms of cancer, particularly breast cancer, and is directly responsible for better outcomes, less invasive procedures and saving lives.
Medical imaging is at the forefront of new medicine, helping to diagnose and save millions of lives and billions of healthcare dollars each year.
In fact, according to a brand new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, increased utilization of advanced medical imaging has improved the life expectancy of patients in the United States by nearly nine months.
Several large studies conducted around the world show that a breast cancer screening with mammograms reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer for women ages 40 to 69, especially those over age 50.
Since 1999 New York City has lost 67 clinics, or 26% of the facilities offering mammography screenings.
New York City has experienced a 171% increase in wait time for mammography screenings over the last ten years.

Due to the high overhead, inflation, rising equipment and other medical costs, and low reimbursement rates, mammography is not a lucrative business. In fact, according to Congressman Weiner's and Congresswoman Maloney's 2009 study, the average cost for a digital mammography screening is around $175, while the national Medicare reimbursement rate is only about $129.84. This leaves the imaging center to cover a $45 gap.
The DRA (Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) resulted in $1.64 billion in Medicare cuts to imaging services in 2007 alone, the first year the cuts were implemented.
Ominously, the currently proposed federal cuts would result in a further 40% percent reimbursement reduction for imaging providers throughout the nation.
In the last five years, the average cost of providing a mammogram has risen 25% to $125, while Medicare reimbursement has only risen a total of 2% to $83.69.
With fewer medical imaging providers, less investment in new technology, and soaring costs, the providers and the vital diagnostic services they provide are at real risk by the proposed federal cuts.

Medical imaging (CT Scan, Mammography, MRI, etc) is critical to the early detection of many forms of cancer, particularly breast cancer, and is directly responsible for better outcomes, less invasive procedures and saving lives. Medical imaging is at the forefront of new medicine, helping to diagnose and save millions of lives and billions of healthcare dollars each year. In fact, according to a brand new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, increased utilization of advanced medical imaging has improved the life expectancy of patients in the United States by nearly nine months. Several large studies conducted around the world show that a breast cancer screening with mammograms reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer for women ages 40 to 69, especially those over age 50. Since 1999 New York City has lost 67 clinics, or 26% of the facilities offering mammography screenings. New York City has experienced a 171% increase in wait time for mammography screenings over the last ten years. Due to the high overhead, inflation, rising equipment and other medical costs, and low reimbursement rates, mammography is not a lucrative business. In fact, according to Congressman Weiner's and Congresswoman Maloney's 2009 study, the average cost for a digital mammography screening is around $175, while the national Medicare reimbursement rate is only about $129.84. This leaves the imaging center to cover a $45 gap. The DRA (Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) resulted in $1.64 billion in Medicare cuts to imaging services in 2007 alone, the first year the cuts were implemented. Ominously, the currently proposed federal cuts would result in a further 40% percent reimbursement reduction for imaging providers throughout the nation. In the last five years, the average cost of providing a mammogram has risen 25% to $125, while Medicare reimbursement has only risen a total of 2% to $83.69. With fewer medical imaging providers, less investment in new technology, and soaring costs, the providers and the vital diagnostic services they provide are at real risk by the proposed federal cuts.

Provided by the Emergency Coalition to Save Cancer Imaging	Contact Us for Media