Broker Broadcast
UnitedHealthcare Mammography/Cervical Screening Guidelines Remain Unchanged
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released new guidelines for mammography screening based on a review of the medical literature. As a result, the USPSTF is recommending that regular screening for breast cancer in women begin at age 50. The previously recommended age to begin routine screening was age 40.
UnitedHealthcare's coverage for mammography and cervical cancer screening is unchanged.
Mammograms
UnitedHealthcare considers mammography an important screening procedure, one that has resulted in the ability to detect and treat breast cancer at earlier stages of the disease and save lives:
- UnitedHealthcare will continue to offer coverage of mammograms for women covered by a UnitedHealthcare insured plan when recommended by their physicians.
- Customers with a self-funded plan may modify coverage based on the recently reissued guidance but must provide UnitedHealthcare with specific instructions prior to the implementation of any coverage changes. However, UnitedHealthcare strongly recommends customers follow their policy and continue with the coverage for mammography unchanged.
Cervical Cancer Screening
In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently changed its recommendations for cervical cancer screening, advocating less frequent screening for women in their 20s. However, UnitedHealthcare is not changing its coverage policy on cervical cancer screening. As is true for mammography, UnitedHealthcare recommends that women discuss with their physicians how frequently they should undergo cervical cancer screening.
An employee communication template outlining this issue is included for you to use with your clients, as appropriate.
Information above taken from UnitedHealthcare's Special Edition newsletter
If you have any questions, please contact your TIE sales representative at (972) 991-6500
Employee Communication Template
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