Monday, January 04, 2010

Screen Hearts, Not Boobs

The recently-released USPSTF guidelines changed the recommendations to start mammogram screening for breast cancer in women from age 40 to age 50 based on extensive review of the costs, risks and benefits. As a result, when spun as “women’s care under siege,” the recommendation has become a potent political weapon.

Ironically in Texas, a new law was just enacted that requires insurers to pay up to $200 to screen for coronary artery disease based on controversial "entrepreneurial guidelines" proposed by SHAPE, a group of cardiologists that includes the entrepreneurs themselves.

So there you have it: how politics does preventative medicine...

... completely anatomically, of course.

-Wes

h/t: Kevin, MD

No comments: