Cigna Revises Policy, Will Cover 3D Mammography For Breast Cancer Screening
- FLASCO
- September 16, 2016
- Administrative, Clinical Practice Updates
Cigna has revised its medical coverage policy for breast cancer screening and will now cover three-dimensional (3D) mammography for routine breast cancer screening. Under its previous policy, the company covered 3D mammography for diagnostic purposes, but not for routine screening.
The policy 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 routinely covers preventive services that earn an “A” or “B” rating from the USPSTF, which 3D mammography for screening did not have (it was rated “I”). The company has changed its 3D mammography coverage policy based on more 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.
Cigna’s coverage policies for medications, medical procedures and medical devices are based on an extensive 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.
Cigna’s new coverage policy applies to 3D mammography services provided on and after August 23, 2016.
