Medicare to Pay for Image Guidance in Biopsy of Palpable Breast Lesions

WASHINGTON-Medicare will soon cover image guidance techniques, such as stereotactic systems and ultrasound, used to biopsy palpable breast lesions that are difficult to biopsy with palpitation alone. However, contractors who administer Medicare benefits "have the discretion to decide what types of palpable lesions are difficult to biopsy using palpitation," the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said. The new coverage will begin later this year and will not be retroactive. Medicare has covered image guidance to assist the biopsy of nonpalpable lesions since 1999.