Women skip additional breast cancer testing due to deductibles

A study found 21% of women are likely to decline additional testing after an abnormal finding on a mammogram if they have to pay a deductible. Presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting, the study surveyed 932 patients who received breast imaging at Boston Medical Center between September 2021 and February 2022. Hispanics (33%), those with a high school education or less (31%), those making less than $35,000 a year (27%) and Medicaid/uninsured (31.5%) were more likely to indicate they would skip additional imaging. High out-of-pocket deductible costs can exceed $1,400 for individuals and $2,800 for families and may hinder people from attaining necessary care. (RSNA news release, 11/29/22)