Impact of stereotaxic core breast biopsy on cost of diagnosis. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: To determine the frequency with which stereotaxic core biopsy of the breast obviated diagnostic surgical biopsy and to estimate the savings in cost of diagnosis with this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stereotaxic core biopsy of 182 nonpalpable, mammographically evident lesions was performed, and data from clinical follow-up were obtained. Savings in cost were assessed by using national Medicare reimbursement data and a relative value system based on national physician reviews (Relative Values for Physicians [RVP]). RESULTS: Stereotaxic core biopsy replaced a surgical procedure in 140 of 182 patients. The mean adjusted direct savings in cost per stereotaxic core biopsy were $893 (Medicare) or $1,491 (RVP). Use of stereotaxic core biopsy decreased the cost of diagnosis by 52% (RVP) or 55% (Medicare). CONCLUSION: Stereotaxic core biopsy obviated surgical biopsy for most nonpalpable lesions sampled, resulting in a greater than 50% reduction in biopsy costs. If these results were generalizable to the national level, annual savings would approach $200 million.

publication date

  • June 1, 1995

Research

keywords

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast
  • Stereotaxic Techniques

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0029068943

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1148/radiology.195.3.7753986

PubMed ID

  • 7753986

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 195

issue

  • 3