News Archive

In an effort to emphasize the importance of genetic testing and to facilitate high-value genetics services by all clinicians, the ASBrS and the NSGC recognize the common goal of delivering quality genetic testing as part of optimal patient care for our patients. We want to assure that all patients who are eligible for testing have access. We recognize that some breast surgeons are prevented from ordering testing by institutional policies or insurer requirements. We believe any barriers to genetic testing pose the risk of exacerbating disparities in access to care.

On December 21, 2020, Congress enacted a 5,500-page consolidated appropriations act, which included COVID relief provisions. Through 2020, The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) has worked to avert the Fee Schedule cuts to surgical payments that were set to take effect on January 1, 2021. The Society joined 11 other surgical professional associations in forming the Surgical Care Coalition to advocate for preventing Medicare payment cuts that threaten patients' timely access to surgical care. As explained in this article, we believe that the combination of various provisions in the relief legislation passed yesterday accomplishes that goal.

Our second #ASBrSRoundtable aired on December 3, 2020, and focused on genomic assays, featuring presentations from Agendia, Biotheranostics, Inc., Exact Sciences, and Myriad Genetics, Inc. The recording is now accessible.