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A thermogram can be used as an early detection tool for breast cancer, but should not replace a mammogram and is controversial in the medical community. For example, according to the American Cancer Society[1] , thermography has not been scientifically proven to be an effective method of early breast cancer detection. There are no known physical risks.
Typical costs: |
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a thermogram typically costs about $175-$250, according to an expert on BreastHealthProject.com. For example, About Your Health Inc. in South Carolina charges $175 for a first-visit breast scan using thermography. The The Preventive Medicine Center of Gainesville[2] in Florida charges $183. The Longevity Center, in Wisconsin, charges $195. The Integrative Wellness Center[3] , in California, charges $203. Jeremy Kaslow, MD[4] , in California, charges $230.
- Health insurance typically does not cover thermography. For example, Aetna[5] considers it experimental, as do BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina[6] and Priority Health[7] . Because thermography typically is not covered, many providers require upfront payment but will provide a coded bill in case the patient wishes to submit it to her insurance company.
Related articles: Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound
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What should be included: |
- The patient waits in a room to acclimate to the temperature for about 15 minutes and removes clothing from the waist up. The provider takes multiple images of the breasts with a special digital infrared camera that can detect differences in temperature on the surface of the skin. A thermographer later interprets the images.
- Thermography is used for breast cancer detection due to the idea that cancer requires formation of new blood vessels, which emit heat.
Additional costs: |
- Providers typically recommend patients come back for regular thermograms at least once a year.
Discounts: |
- Some providers offer online coupons or discounts for repeat customers. For example, the Cometa Wellness Center[8] offers a $25 off online coupon. And About Your Health Inc. in South Carolina offers annual scans for $100 -- $75 off the regular price -- to returning customers.
Shopping for a thermogram: |
- The International Academy of Clinical Thermology offers a list of thermography centers[9] by state.
- A thermogram does not replace a mammogram, which the American Cancer Society recommends yearly starting at age 40.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Janeen K. Walker in San Diego, CA. | Posted: January 22nd, 2013 03:01PM |
| Provider: Total Thermal Imaging |
I attended a conference in San Diego last April and had a total body thermal imaging done. I was impressed with the amount of information that I was given from the Doctor who read the results. I was able to begin some health regiments that have greatly improved my overall well-being. I hope that insurance companies will see the value in thermography. It is a great prevenative/healing tool. |
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External Resources: |
- www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/mammo...
- www.prevent-doc.com/thermography/faq.php
- earlybreastscreen.com/thermography-faqs/
- www.drkaslow.com/html/breast_thermography.html
- www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0029.html
- www.bcbsnc.com/assets/services/public/pdfs/medicalpolicy/thermography.pdf
- www.priorityhealth.com/provider/manual/auths/~/media/documents/medical-policies/91...
- www.cometawellnesscenter.com/thermography.htm
- www.iact-org.org/links.html
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