My sister-in-law doesn't believe in mammograms (has read all the stuff written against them -- they may cause tumors to burst and spread, etc.) She DOES get regular thermography (heat based diagnostic which is FDA approved and I believe is used a lot in Germany and other parts of Europe) and pays out of pocket. Something has shown up that looks suspicious. She just had the ultrasound which also shows a suspicious lump/ spot. She needs a biopsy but it sounds like any doctor is going to require the mammogram first. She wants the thermogram and ultrasound to be sufficient. Should she schedule an appointment and not mention that she doesn't have/ doesn't want mammogram during the first appointment or does she mention in advance? Fears that mentioning in advance will cause the front office staff to not schedule her... Does anyone know of any doctor in the Philly area that would NOT require mammogram to move forward with a biopsy? Any suggestions appreciated (although I don't expect that anyone will convince her the mammogram is necessary and safe). Thanks.
Tell her the newer digital mammograms are much better and she shouldn't have any real fears about getting one. If she needs a biopsy, they usually use an ultrasound guided one anyway. Maybe that could be sufficient.
Only suggestion he had was for someone out of network who doesn't take insurance. She has located a Philly doctor who will consult with her without mammo in hand. Hopefully they'll be okay with moving forward with the biopsy. If she needs to, I think she realizes she'll have to get the mammogram... So we'll know more in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the suggestion!
