- Published: 31 May 2015
SPRINGFIELD – Technological advances in mammography are helping increase the ability to detect growths in breast tissue that often go unseen. Thanks to work by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), 3D mammography will now be added to the list of insured low-dose mammograms available through insurance.
Senate Bill 54, recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly, will add ‘tomosynthesis’, also known as 3D mammography to insurance plans. The procedure differs from standard mammograms and produces a cross-sectional 3D image to help doctors better identify potential concerns.
The procedure also reduces false positives and greatly increases visibility to sense invasive cancers while reducing cost to patients and hospitals.
“With advances in technology, adding 3D mammography to our insurance plans will save women’s lives,” Senator Van Pelt said. “Any plan to help women stay healthy, I will fully support.”
The bill has passed both houses of the General Assembly.
