H.Res. 1135 — Introduced in House

IV 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1135 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 26, 2018Mr. Paulsen submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Raising awareness of the lifesaving role of three-dimensional (3D) digital breast tomosynthesis screening in detection and treatment of breast cancer. Whereas, in 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved three-dimensional (3D) digital tomosynthesis, a modification of digital mammography that uses a moving x-ray source and a digital detector that allows for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional dataset; Whereas 3D digital tomosynthesis dramatically improves the imaging of breast lesions and breast cancer by eliminating overlap from surrounding tissues and structures; Whereas peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2014 has documented that tomosynthesis used with digital mammography is associated with up to a 41-percent increase in the detection of invasive cancers and up to a 37-percent drop in patient recalls to have additional breast imaging workup, such as a diagnostic mammogram or a breast ultrasound, due to ambiguous results; Whereas earlier detection of breast cancers is positively correlated to improved patient survival and outcomes and reduced cost of treatment; Whereas peer-reviewed research has concluded that broader adoption of this technology presents an opportunity to deliver value-based care to the Medicaid population and to address disparities and barriers to access to preventive care for some of the Nation’s most vulnerable citizens; Whereas while the adoption of 3D tomosynthesis has been growing, 52 percent of United States mammography facilities are still without this lifesaving technology; Whereas Medicare covers 3D tomosynthesis and it is estimated that at least 86 percent of covered lives in the private insurance market are covered for this technology; and Whereas the utilization and coverage of 3D tomosynthesis can save lives, improve treatment regimens, and reduce health care costs: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) acknowledges the immense value of three-dimensional (3D) digital breast tomosynthesis; (2) encourages all Federal health care programs to promote access and coverage of this lifesaving technology; (3) calls upon all private sector insurers to cover and fairly reimburse for this technology; and (4) supports efforts by the public health community to publicize the merits and availability of 3D digital breast tomosynthesis.