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Use of MRI instead of regular biopsy for AS

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 6/29/2013 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Apologies if this has already been covered in another thread or post (I may have missed it), but an interesting discussion between two physicians on using MRIs in place of routine biopsies for people on AS:

"Active Surveillance and Multiparametric MRIs"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk3YWZMItEs
Posted 6/29/2013 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I would never start an AS program without an MRI or a CDU to confirm the low risk status.
Posted 6/29/2013 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I started a thread last week regarding my insurance turning down my request for an MRI for my first AS anniversary. My appeal was also denied. I was trying to avoid a Bx.

Better check with your insurance company first. Same company that labeled Color Doppler Ultrasound as 'experimental'.
Posted 6/29/2013 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
My 3T MRI cost *way* more than a biopsy. Cheapest will likely win.
Posted 6/29/2013 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
I think the cost of most MRI's would be ruled down by most insurance over the cost of a standard biopsy.
Posted 6/29/2013 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Purg, I would agree with you that insurance companies will likely not consider MRIs for diagnosing prostate cancer. Too often, they are just number crunchers...who are not able to see the big or full picture.

Reminds me of something I experienced years ago with my dental insurance. I had been under the care of a periodontist (gum issues) as well as a regular dentist. Both recommended I begin using an anti-bacterial rinse to control plaque and keep my gums healthy. The bottle cost $17, so it's wasn't a huge expense and the bottle does last quite a few months. I submitted the claim to my dental insurance company, and they denied it. I called them and asked why? They said they simply didn't cover prophylactic aids for the treatment of gum disease. I asked "but you'll cover $3,000 worth of gum surgery?" "Yes" was their reply. I then asked "but you do know that these rinses can prevent the need for gum surgery, don't you?" "Yes, we know that but these are the rules we have to follow." Now that conversation made a whole lot of sense.
Posted 6/30/2013 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
agreed, sephie. any preventative aids should be covered, just makes common sense to me.

david
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