What is CAD?

CAD or Computer Aided Detection is a sophisticated technology that assists radiologists in interpreting mammograms by digitizing the image and analyzing areas on the mammogram that may contain features associated with cancer. The FDA approved the CAD system in 1998 for use with screening mammography. Viera Diagnostic Center is the only facility in Brevard County offering CAD

Does CAD replace the analysis by the radiologist?

<No. CAD supplements the review and interpretation by the radiologist, since the radiologist initially reviews the image without the use of CAD, followed by CAD analysis and a second image review.

Will my insurance pay for CAD?

Medicare and some private insurance companies are reimbursing for CAD. The charge for your films to be put through the CAD system is $25. If your insurance does not reimburse for CAD, you will be billed.

Will all mammogram patients at Viera Diagnostic Center receive the benefit of CAD?

Yes. We believe it is in the best interest of all our mammography patients to have their mammograms reviewed by CAD technology.

What does this mean to me?

The use of the CAD system for your screening mammogram functions like a “spellchecker” for medical images and it will identify suspicious features that may warrant a second review by the radiologist. According to a study published in Radiology magazine, the early detection of breast cancer can be improved almost 20 percent through the use of computer aided detection with screening mammography.