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Bill

S 2666

Requires health care professional to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein

Requires concurrent bilateral ultrasounds with all mammograms and mandates insurance coverage, removing physician discretion and raising screening costs.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2666

Legislative bill overview

S 2666 mandates that healthcare providers order bilateral ultrasounds simultaneously when ordering mammograms and requires insurance coverage for both procedures performed concurrently. The bill essentially links ultrasound imaging to mammogram orders as a standard protocol rather than a separate decision.

Why is this important

Breast cancer detection relies on multiple imaging modalities, and some evidence suggests ultrasound can identify cancers mammography misses, particularly in dense breast tissue. This bill affects screening access and insurance costs, with implications for both patient outcomes and healthcare expenditure across New Jersey's insurance market.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical necessity and autonomy: Mandating concurrent ultrasounds removes clinical discretion; physicians may argue ultrasounds aren't appropriate for all patients (age, risk profile, breast density) and should remain an optional follow-up based on individual assessment
  • Insurance coverage costs: Requiring concurrent bilateral ultrasounds substantially increases screening expenses; insurers will likely pass costs to consumers through higher premiums, affecting affordability despite improved coverage
  • Evidence and standards: Current radiology guidelines (ACR, USPSTF) don't recommend routine ultrasounds with mammography for all patients; the bill potentially conflicts with established medical standards and may be viewed as regulatory overreach into clinical protocols
  • Screening vs. diagnostic confusion: Bilateral ultrasounds may increase incidental findings and false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety without clear benefit in asymptomatic populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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