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!
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
to biopsy or not
I have recently found a lump (2 months ago) which I initially thought was due to my cycle but soon realized that even after my periods the lump still remained. I went to my doctor who then referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound. I arrived for my appt where I was told they weren't really keen on giving me a mammogram due to my age (36) and thought it best just to do the ultrasound, so I had the ultrasound and then started to get dressed, as i was doing so the radiologist told me not to bother as she thinks it would be best to do a Mammogram now. (after this i realised that they must of spotted something on the ultrasound). So i had the mammogram also on the same day. A few days later i went to see my GP for the results and was told they had seen dilated ducts with soft tissue present in my left breast and the radiology doctor has suggested a biopsy. My GP rang the radiology centre to speak to the Dr who wrote up my report and confirm whether it would be a FNA or Core biopsy, to which he confirmed a Core biopsy. A week later I went for my core biopsy appt at the same place i had mammo/ultrasound. Once again they decided to do a quick ultrasound and called the on duty Dr in to view. i was then told by this Dr (not the same guy that wrote up my initial report) that they wouldn't be doing the biopsy as he didn't see it as necessary. So didn't end up having any type of biopsy done on the lump. I now am very confused and worried that something has been missed as i can still feel the lump (it feels like a small rock covered in gravel) I have an appt with my GP next Tuesday but am unsure of what he is going to say. Im a single mother with 2 children and don't feel comfortable waiting a few months to see if the lump grows but i am unsure if i should get a second opinion or even where to go to get one. I have also reviewed the initial mammo/ultrasound report where the Dr states a biopsy is suggested. it also states that i have heterogeneously dense breasts whish makes it harder to spot any calcifications or masses on mammogram. Im confused as they obviously spotted something on the first ultrasound to warrant them wanting to do a mammo after firstly saying they didn't think it was needed .
