I will be 80 years old in 2012. I had breast cancer in 2003. Medicare always covered my mammograms until this year when I had to pay a co-pay. They claim that my mammogram is diagnostic because I have had breast cancer. Is this new?

Barbara C. Cavanaugh, MD

Academic Title: Clinical Associate Professor

Director, Breast Imaging

Board Certifications:
Radiology

This issue of screening verses diagnostic mammogram has often confused people.

However, even though you have been treated for breast cancer, as long as you have no symptoms your mammogram can be considered a screening mammogram. You are within your rights to insist that your mammogram be billed as a screening mammogram, as many women have done for exactly the reason that you state, to avoid the co-payment that accompanies a diagnostic examination.

I am not an expert at billing issues, but you may be able to go back to the facility where you had your mammogram and have them change the bill. It is certainly worth asking, especially since it sounds like there was no reason to charge you for a diagnostic exam.

Good luck!