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Recommendations by the United States Preventive Service Task Force that women under age 50 need not have regular mammograms, as well as downplaying the role of self-examination, have created a firestorm of confusion and debate. It is important to note here that despite including “United States” in its name, the Task Force is an outside, independent panel of “experts” which merely makes recommendations. Secretary of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius made it clear that the Task Force neither sets policy nor determines what services are covered by the federal government.
The recommendations did not say that detection doesn’t happen under age 50, just that it doesn’t happen as often. Guess that’s because the older one gets the greater the risk, making over 50 prime time for mammograms. Those struck with breast cancer at an earlier age would, according to these guidelines, not be diagnosed at an early stage thus dramatically decreasing their chances for survival. The panel played the percentages, statistics so loved by insurance companies.
The result of these guidelines is that women would be visiting their doctors less frequently. Less frequent visits mean fewer doctor and radiology claims for the insurance companies to pay. That certainly wouldn’t please doctors and radiologists, but would enrich the monopoly of health insurance companies as premiums are paid yet claims are not.
Not only are women confused and angry but also worried about insurance coverage for under-50 mammograms if the health insurer monopoly relies on Task Force guidelines to evaluate, i.e., deny, mammography claims. Even more money to the insurance companies.
So, you ask – why would a panel recommending treatment for breast cancer cut preventive care and save money for insurance companies? Well, it seems that were no breast cancer oncologists on the Task Force, but 3 Task Force members were insurance company executives.
Watergate source Deep Throat said “Follow the money”. Question answered.
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