Linda in Quito, Ecuador
I have been asked several times if Medicare will pay for
genetic testing; specifically, for BRCA mutations. Such is the extent of my rattle-brainishness
that I just now got around to checking.
The short answer is: no. Until
recently, you could be tested if a family member had breast or ovarian
cancer. Not any more; now you actually
have to HAVE cancer to get tested! Seems
monumentally short-sighted to me, but what do I know? I’m just a dumb geologist.
Needless to say, FORCE* is not pleased with this situation.
Neither am I.
*Facing Our Risk of Cancer, Empowered. Look ,’em up.
For more on FORCE, click on
ReplyDeletehttp://ljb-quiltcutie.blogspot.com/2013/06/force-may-it-be-with-you.html
http://www.onclive.com/publications/oncology-live/2018/vol-19-no-3/inheritance-matters-the-race-to-prevent-new-ovarian-cancer-casesInteresting summary of the state of testing for OVCA
ReplyDeleteThe pressure for population-wide testing for cancer continues to build.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/healthcare-economics/population-based-cancer-screenings-could-save-thousands-dollars-lives
I may not live to see it, but I am confident that my great grandchildren will benefit. Damned good, say I.