Re: PET scan questions

Well, one thing to consider is that they aren't going to be reimbursed by insurance for an unnecessary PET scan, and the powers-that-be know ithat. Honestly, if it was me or my mom who'd had breast cancer twice, I'd take ANY screening offered and be glad it was available! A couple of years is terrific, but there is still a very real chance of recurrence, and I wouldn't fool around with it. Maybe it's just me, but if the doc recommended it, I'd go ahead and have it done.

Anne


Mishell wrote:
My mom has been advised to have a PET scan. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor who has had all of her checkups and has been so far free of disease (crossing fingers) for a couple of years.

The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the doc says he'd like her to have one "just to check that there is nothing else anywhere". She feels exceptionally well, just had her last check up a month ago, and has no complaints.

She's not at all crazy about having the isotope injected, and she feels that the hospital (and her doctor) are pushing PET scans to pay for the machine. She has never had one, and has never been recommended to have one, even when she was receiving treatments in a larger city that had the equipment.

I think she's probably right. Is this just them trying to recoup their investment or is a PET actually worth it?

From what I have read, typed and remembered, a PET scan didn't provide all that much info, what is your opinion? Is it worth the injection, the time, the money (she has insurance, but still....) or is it just a new gadget they need to pay for? She feels that if it could catch something that is just beginning and it could be cured, then of course it is worth it, but she doesn't want to do it just for kicks.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Michelle


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: PET scan questions
    ... And, you are right, like Anne is, that the piece of mind is worth its weight ... The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the ... feels that the hospital are pushing PET scans to pay ...
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  • Re: PET scan questions
    ... It's bound to be a lot less expensive than a PET scan! ... And, you are right, like Anne is, that the piece of mind is worth its weight in gold. ... The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the ... feels that the hospital are pushing PET scans to pay ...
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  • Re: PET scan questions
    ... The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the ... feels that the hospital are pushing PET scans to pay ... their investment or is a PET actually worth it? ...
    (sci.med.transcription)
  • Re: PET scan questions
    ... If the doctor orders it, and if insurance will pay for it, I think I'd have ... The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the doc ...
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  • Re: PET scan questions
    ... your opinion that you think having test, regardless of the reason it is ... The hospital just acquired new equipment, a PET scanner, and now the doc ... that the hospital are pushing PET scans to pay for the ... investment or is a PET actually worth it? ...
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