AI assisted mammogram readings

[anonperson]

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I have seen a proliferation of imaging centers touting AI enhanced reads on mammogram studies. Of course it's an additional cash fee that is not covered by insurance.

What is the general consensus on this? It seems like a cash grab at this point.

I know there is some preliminary data indicating some utility but I wasn't aware of any guidelines at this time

I had a family member get a mammogram and basically get upselled on this so she paid the extra $80. No explanation on pros etc. And it was done right before the visit.

When I heard, I wasn't happy and complained to the office manager and got into an argument since I wanted a refund. I asked if they even provided information to the patients on what the actual benefit was. Basically, how many additional cancers did the AI enhanced reads catch within their group of radiologists. How many false positives etc.

She couldn't/wouldn't provide the information.

Eventually got the money back but it was a pain.

 

[colbgw02]

Without more specifics, you're most likely referring to Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), which has been around for decades. As I understand it, CAD is technically a form of AI, but not at all in the modern sense that we hear about on the daily right before SkyNet kills us all. If there is an FDA-approved more modern version of AI-enhanced mammography, then that's news to me.

CAD used to be a separate modifier on the mammography CPT code, which is why my brain still automatically puts that into the technique if I ever have to free dictate a mammogram, but that went away years ago.

The most cynical interpretation is that they're up charging for technology that's nominally new but actually ancient. Also, they were going to use the assistance anyway, because no one is going to turn off the CAD between studies, irrespective of how old the technology is.

 

[anonperson]

Without more specifics, you're most likely referring to Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), which has been around for decades. As I understand it, CAD is technically a form of AI, but not at all in the modern sense that we hear about on the daily right before SkyNet kills us all. If there is an FDA-approved more modern version of AI-enhanced mammography, then that's news to me.

CAD used to be a separate modifier on the mammography CPT code, which is why my brain still automatically puts that into the technique if I ever have to free dictate a mammogram, but that went away years ago.

The most cynical interpretation is that they're up charging for technology that's nominally new but actually ancient. Also, they were going to use the assistance anyway, because no one is going to turn off the CAD between studies, irrespective of how old the technology is.

They claimed they use Lunit AI platform.