A standardized summary discussing breast cancer treatment options and their risks and benefits must be given to members prior to a biopsy, notwithstanding whether treatment for breast cancer is planned or given. Providers may contact the Medical Board of California, Breast Cancer Treatment Options to request a free summary brochure.

The summary does not supplant the physician's duty to obtain the member's informed consent. In addition to distributing the brochure, physicians should discuss the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to any planned procedures with the member and document the discussion in the medical record.

Every physician who screens or performs biopsies for breast cancer must post a sign that is consistent with the brochure, which includes specific prescribed language. The sign must be posted close to the area where the breast cancer screening or biopsy is performed or at the patient registration area. The sign must be at least 8 1/2" x 11", conspicuously displayed, and in English, Spanish and Chinese. Refer to the Health Net sample sign (PDF).

Providers are required to tell members receiving a digital rectal exam that a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is available for prostate cancer detection.

The National Cancer Institute provides information about the detection, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer in a Web brochure titled What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer (NIH Publication No. 03-1576), which is available at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate.

All physicians who screen for or treat prostate cancer must post a sign consistent with the brochure, which includes specific prescribed language. The sign must be posted close to the area where the prostate cancer screening or treatment is performed or at the patient registration area. The sign must be at least 8 1/2" x 11", conspicuously displayed, and in English, Spanish and Chinese. Refer to the Health Net sample sign (PDF).