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Cigna Healthcare revised its medical coverage policy for breast cancer screening and will now cover three-dimensional (3D) mammography for routine breast cancer screening.
Before, the company covered 3D mammography for diagnostic purposes, but not for routine screening.
The company has changed its 3D mammography coverage policy based on recent guidance from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers that sets standards for high-quality cancer care.
“We are always open to change based on new scientific evidence or new guidance from respected non-commercial organizations like the NCCN,” said Julie Kessel, medical doctor and Cigna's senior medical director who oversees medical coverage policy.
“We have a responsibility to our customers and clients to ensure that the medical treatments, tests and procedures they’re paying for have proven clinical value and will help improve their health and well-being. That’s a responsibility that we don’t take lightly.”
Cigna's new coverage policy applies to 3D mammography services provided on and after August 23, 2016.
The previous policy on 3D mammography services had been based on guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which said there was insufficient evidence to determine that 3D mammography is clinically superior to traditional mammography for breast cancer screening.
Cigna's coverage policies for medications, medical procedures and medical devices are based on an examination of peer-reviewed medical and scientific studies, medical journal articles and other scientific evidence, as well as guidelines from professional medical societies. Policies are reviewed regularly and are changed based on new evidence and new guidance.
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