routine mammogram with ultrasound question

I am a 52 yo female who has dense breasts. Every year for the past 12 years I have had a mammogram with an ultrsound. New insurance company now will not pay for the ultrasound.  Can you tell me something that I can use in my appeal regarding routine mammogram with ultrasound to satisfy my insurance company? Please don't use the terminology of diagnostic because they don't consider a diagnostic test to be routine!

Your prompt response if greatly appreciated since my appeal review is on Thursday, November 11, 2009 at 2:30pm. I hope to be able to clear up this matter for future women requiring this test as part of their routine medical care.

Thanks,
Elyssa

[iam1butterfly]

I think that if you get something in writing from your doctor that both details your pre-existing condition (the breast density) and states the justification for the ultrasound, it would support your appeal to continue having the ultrasound covered. Good luck!

[SueYoung55]

Dense breasts show up white on a mammogram. So does cancer. So, it's kind of like looking for a polar bear in a blizzard. I had ultrasounds each time I had a mammogram and thank God I did since I ended up with invasive lobular carcinoma that does not show up on a mammogram bud did on an ultrasound. If you have any cysts or lumps or anything that can be the reason you get this test as well.

Good luck!