The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued new interim regulations that will require private health insurers to cover preventative and early detection services, including annual mammography services for women age 40 and older, with no cost sharing or copays in health insurance policies issued after September 23, 2010.

The move is part of the DHHS’ implementation of the recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is welcome news to critics of controversial recommendations handed down last fall. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, a government advisory panel, concluded that annual screening mammograms for women ages 40-49 who do not have an elevated risk of breast cancer are unnecessary. Their reasoning was that scientists are concerned about overdiagnosis, false positives and unnecessary biopsies and radiation exposure. Instead, the panel recommends low risk women get mammograms every two years beginning at age 50. But many women’s health care professionals and advocates disagree.

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring the promise of health reform is delivered to all women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “This new rule means money will no longer be an obstacle for women who want or need a mammogram. Ultimately, this will save lives.”

More than 200,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 of them will die. However, 98 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years when cancer is discovered early, compared to just 23 percent diagnosed after cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Precision Imaging Centers offers top-quality digital mammography services (both screening mammography and diagnostic mammography) in Jacksonville. We do not require a physician’s referral for asymptomatic women age 40 and older, and we can arrange to have film from your prior breast exams sent securely to our office for comparison. We offer evening and weekend appointments – 7 a.m.-11 p.m. week days, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays for your convenience. Visit our website to make an appointment or call 904-966-8100 for more information.