Medicare Update for High Risk Breast Screening
Have you had an MRI AND Ultrasound on the same day? Did you receive the Medicare rebate on BOTH items? I think this is more to do with 'new diagnoses' - not existing ones - but if you require an ultrasound AND MRI on the same day - make sure you ask the questions about being able to claim the medicare rebate on BOTH! As of today (1st July 2026) those having MRI AND Ultrasound, may be able to have them on the same day and claim both the Medicare rebates. Previously - they had to be done on 2 different days to be able to claim both rebates. This will make it more 'time efficient' and less stressful, reducing out of pocket expenses - particularly for rural/regional/remote patients (for example) who would have to have stayed an extra night to have the 2nd procedure otherwise!
Scan day freaking sucks......yet again. Probable curse words included.
With only minor trepidation and my shit mostly together I went to clinic today to get my results. I stopped to give a co worker that had just been diagnosed (MOFO BC) a hug and a shoulder to cry on for a bit while we were waiting. I heard my name called and promised her she would get through and I would be happy to help if I could in any way. She thanked me with that smile you put on when you are trying so hard not to burst into tears and your heart is aching as I waltzed on in to the doctors office. Well the whole thing went sideways and turned into me leaving work in a shaky, teary eyed mess. My goodness this thing still rocks you when least expect it. Here we go again with another fucking ambiguous result about the mystical eliptical thingamajjigy that has taken up residence in the rogue boob. Said thingy has decided to grow 2mm in 6 months. BIRAIDS score now moved up from a 3 to a 4 and hey lets poke a needle in it this time. This presents a problem. Considering the MRI is still the only machine that can see thingy (again it can't be felt by anyone either) and it's positioning, it is probable that a biopsy can't be done in the MRI machine. Still waiting on an answer for that one. So do we just poke around in there and try to hit it?? Cut it out or off just for the heck of it? No body is prepared to say it is anything sinister nor are they prepared to say it's not. Seriously, can someone please tell me how, for the love of god, you can have 4 MRI's, 4 mammograms and 6 u/sounds in a period of 12 months and still not know what this is or isn't. So as it sits, back to headlining the MDT on Thursday to get input from group of guru's as quote "my breast don't scan normally". Another targetted u/s on Friday. And wait for an answer on whether the biopsy can be done by MRI. Waiting waiting waiting yet again. Fuckity fuck fuck. I am sick of this roller coaster. I want to get off and my money back. Mental status right now = somewhere between zoned out numbness and seriously pissed off. Strongly considering ostrich tactics at the moment. Thanks for listening. :/
follow-up mammogram and ultrasound
Hi all, I hope you are all keeping warm. After my xingle mastectomy last year, I had my first yearly mammogram and ultrasound review last week, and got the results from the oncology team. All clear, which is a relief. I thought I wasn't worried, but on the weekend I was tired, and spent. Maybe in the subconcious level, I was a bit anxious. I'm 42, so I will have quite a few yearly reviews from now on. I was very happy, and shared it with my boyfriend. but not sure who else I should share the good news with (extended family? friends? close work-colleagues?). I mean, its not a milestone, but its nice to know that my body is healthy. i'm just curious...Does anyone do anything special after a review appoinment? Cheers, Paulina
