Empower Yourself

Content based on personal investigation and shared for informational use and public education.

Never disregard professional medical advice -- or delay in seeking it -- because of something you have read on this website.

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The first request costs No $$.

Write to Dr. Stamatia Destounis.

Who is Dr. Destounis? Why are we writing to her?

Dr. Destounis is a member of the American Cancer Society Medical Advisory Team. She sits on medical advisory boards for several breast imaging technology companies. Dr. Destounis frequently lectures to professional groups, both nationally and internationally, on a variety of radiological subjects

She has the position to be a strong voice for the accessibility of abbreviated breast MRI for both insured and self-pay patients.

Step 1 -- Copy the note below (or write your own):

Dear Dr. Stamatia Destounis:

PLEASE, as American College of Radiology Chair of the Commission on Breast Imaging, CONTINUE to widely publicize support for a unique Current Procedural Terminology" (CPT) identification of an Abbreviated Breast MRI (AB-MRI or 'FAST' MRI).

A CPT code -- or support of a specific two digit modifier of existing MRI code such as '77049-52'-- for 'FAST' Breast MRIs will promote a routinely effective and cost-friendly screening option for dense breasts (more than 40% - 80% of women) and lobular breast cancer (second most common breast cancer). These are two important instances where current mammogram screening is routinely results in: delayed diagnosis, greater cancer growth, greater cost, greater life blighting, and greater death rate.

WITH an American Medical Association (AMA) CPT code -- or AMA approved two digit modifier (77049-52) -- the effectiveness of an 'Abbreviated' or 'Fast' MRI Breast screening can be clearly communicated to doctors and patients. It then can be reimbursed by personal Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in all states, and covered by insurance in some states (Pennsylvania et al).

Best Regards,

A Human (with Breasts) who Trusts and Relies on the American College of Radiology

Step 2 -CLICK HERE to paste / send your request to the American College of Radiology (ACR)

WHY?

A CPT identifies each medical procedure with a unique 5 -digit health insurance code or with an existing CPT code with a specific two digit code added on.

Without a unique CPT code (or two digit add-on) self-pay is the only current way to get a 'FAST' Breast MRI.

With a CPT Recognition, Health Saving Accounts (HSA) and insurance* can be applied. (*Depending on your state's requirements and your insurance carrier).