New York State Radiological Society's

Mammography Committee Report

to the Board of Directors

 

 Submitted By Loretta Lawrence, M.D., F.A.C.R.

 

April 22, 2006

 

                     

1. ACR Stereotactic Breast Accreditation Program Testing Changes

    The ACR Committee on Stereotactic Biopsy Accreditation has revised the Stereotactic Breast

    Accreditation Program testing requirements. Effective February 1,2006, new or renewing facilities

    will no longer be required to submit an example of a mass biopsy as part of the accreditation application.

    Breast biopsy practice in the United States has evolved significantly since the
    Stereotactic Biopsy Program began in 1997. Today, masses are typically
    biopsied under ultrasound guidance as a result of improvements in ultrasound technology and techniques.

    Facilities will still need to submit calcification biopsy examples for accreditation.

    Please contact the ACR Accreditation help line at (800) 770-0145 with any questions.

2. New Code Released for Breast MRI CAD

    The American Medical Association (AMA) has released a new Category III Current Procedural

    Terminology (CPT) code for breast MR imaging using computer-aided detection (CAD). The new code

    will be implemented July 1.  According to the AMA web site, the new code, 0159T, is for CAD,

    "including computer algorithm analysis of MRI data for lesion detection/characterization,

    pharmacokinetic analysis, with further physician review for interpretation, breast MRI

    (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure). Use 0159T in conjunction with 76093,76094."
    The new code has not been assigned relative value units (RVUs).
     Payment for the use of this code will be based on existing policies of individual payors.

3. On Apri118, 2006, the FDA approved the GE Senographe Essential Full Field Digital Mammography

   System with increased detector area (24 X 31 cm) to accommodate a larger range of breast sizes.