Reply to request from imaging center for second mammogram

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote]She is now using a different clinic. So be careful. I think often these second recalls are mistakes of the tech. originally, and [b]it's an easy money maker for the radiology clinic, esp. since the second mammogram was not covered by insurance. [/b]Call and get the specifics from your gyn. first. Ask him or her why you are getting the call back.[/quote]

I know it's a longshot that this poster is still around, but I'm wondering which clinic you're talking about.  I have received notice that my mammogram "requires supplementary imaging studies" with no specific reasoning, and that "further charges may apply." Being furloughed at the moment and unable to figure out if my insuance will cover it, I'm inclined to skip this second screening until I can get a paycheck again, but the additional uncertainty and anxiety is too much to bear.

I should be grateful that I can get any screening at all, but I'm feeling cynical these days.  It's the second time in two years that Ive been called back for a second screening at this clinic and part of me wonders if it isn't an easy racket for them.  Who would ignore the notice to come in a second time?

After my first call-back screening, I was sent to wait in a small, windowless room with a box of tissues and pamphlets on cancer.  When the doctor came in 30 minutes later and explained that they always do a second imaging on the first mammogram to make a baseline comparison, I felt so angry. Why couldn't they just put that into the form letter they sent, instead of sending me into a panic?  The rest of her talk sounded like a promotion for their 3D imaging--which was of course what they used (and charged me) for that second screening.

This is just a vent because it's not practical to protest mammograms, but I'm wondering if this second screening biz is more common than necessary[/quote]

12:54, I am back! (8:26).  Lots of breast cancer in my family so I check for this issue frequently.  Yes, I still think (as does my gyn.) that this is a money-making gambit for the radiology clinics.  My flawed one (done after many years at the same place) wa Fairfax Radiology, on Arlington Blvd, in Fairfax, but they have 8 centers, which is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to resolve anything with them.  Do as I did and get your gyn. or whichever doctor ordered the mammogram involved and ask them to find out what is going on.  I went through a week of hell thinking this was the big one even though I was sure they had made a mistake (which they had) during the initial mammogram.  My husband even went with me on a Saturday and because my gyn. had made a big fuss, they had a doctor there actually come out and do additional physical and other tests just to make sure.  Then i was charged for the second round of testing.  Every time I received a bill, I called to complain that the first test was done inappropriately.  I should have sent certified letters but just didn't have time.  Also, every single time they would call to say I owed money, I was talking to a new person in a call center.  I would explain again that I should not be charged because of their error.  Each time the supervisor in the call center/billing said they would take care of the issue and call back.  Never did.  Went unresolved for almost 18 months until I got a call from a collections agency and then blew my top.  (lawyer here).  And never had to pay.  But I did need gyns.' statement that Fairfax Radiology had told her that the first test was done incorrectly "flap of skin".  I do think this is a racket.  I do think they do too many call backs so they can try to collect twice.

And thank you for posting.  You reminded me it is time to go in for another round.  This time (I am reading the script), it says "Diagnostic.  Bilateral. Add Tomosynthesis/3D mammogram".

Oh, by the way, we also think they screwed up on my bone test because there was simply no way that I could have become two inches shorter in one year and lost as much bone density as they said.  She (gyn.) said it all depends on the tech. you pull and the machine they are using so she's sending me to a new center to have that done.[/quote]

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