Biotheranostics, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Hologic, has received expanded Medicare coverage of its Breast Cancer Index test. The additional coverage became effective May 10, according to CMS.
The test is now covered for post-menopausal women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to up to three axillary lymph nodes. Before the change in Medicare criteria, the test was covered only if the patient's lymph nodes had not been affected.
Approximately 25,000 more patients a year are eligible for testing due to broader coverage, according to a May 10 news release.
The Breast Cancer Index test is a molecular, gene expression-based test that facilitates an individualized approach to treatment for patients with early-stage, hormone-receptor positive breast cancer, the news release said.