All week I've been hearing from women--and a few men--who are angry about the new mammogram guidelines put out by a government panel.
Then today I see a story which seems to say, "Never mind, everyone, just go back to what you were doing."
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a statement in which she said:
"... our policies remain unchanged. ... I would be very surprised if any private insurance company changed its mammography coverage as a result of this action ..."
So was this one of those balloons that the government is fond of floating, and now that there was such a negative reaction everyone is busy issuing denials? That's my read, anyway.
Read Sebelius's full statement: Sebelius on Mammo Guidelines
@ Jeanne Sather 2009.
I were going to offer speculation I'd say that opponents of health reform got this released when they did.
It's fuel for the anti-forces.
Posted by: MaryM | November 19, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Mary--so people are just playing politics with this? That makes me sick.
Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne Sather | November 19, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Just fyi, the recommendations are the same guidelines we've been following in Canada for some time. Obviously, they aren't for anyone in the risk categories. I haven't seen any stats comparing the outcomes in the two countries, though. That would be interesting.
Posted by: Julie Mason | November 19, 2009 at 05:53 PM