From CNBC: 2024-05-30 16:00:49

AI cancer screening programs struggle with reimbursement from Medicare and private insurers, hindering adoption despite FDA approval of over 800 AI devices and programs, mostly in radiology. Avenda Health’s Unfold AI platform for prostate cancer faces payment hurdles, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket costs. AMA and insurers show caution due to past experiences.

Radiology provider RadNet charges patients for AI breast cancer screening due to lack of insurance reimbursement, improving detection rates. Despite the success, insurers have yet to cover the cost. Dr. Greg Sorensen believes driving adoption and showing value will eventually convince insurers to step up. Patients struggle with out-of-pocket costs.

Concerns arise over patient access to AI screening tools as reimbursement struggles persist. UCLA professor Trachtenberg discusses the importance of AI prostate cancer screening in his own care. Avenda Health’s Berry-Pusey worries that lack of reimbursement could hinder funding for innovation. Investors remain optimistic about the sector, backing health-care AI developers despite payment obstacles.



Read more at CNBC: AI cancer screening is booming, most not covered by insurance