US-guided core breast biopsy: use and cost-effectiveness. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: To determine the frequency with which ultrasonographically (US) guided core biopsy obviated diagnostic surgical biopsy of nonpalpable breast masses, to calculate the cost savings of diagnosis attributable to US-guided core biopsy, and to compare the costs of US-guided versus stereotactically guided core biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US-guided core biopsy was performed in 151 consecutive solitary, nonpalpable breast masses in 151 women (age range, 23-80 years) by using a 14-gauge automated gun and needle. Clinical follow-up data were obtained. Cost savings were assessed by using national Medicare reimbursement costs of +385 for US-guided core biopsy, +610 for stereotactic core biopsy, and +1,332 for needle localization and surgical biopsy. RESULTS: US-guided core biopsy obviated a surgical procedure in 128 (85%) of 151 women. The mean adjusted direct cost saving per US-guided core biopsy was +744 per case. Use of US-guided biopsy decreased the cost of diagnosis by 56% (+744/+1,332) over the cost of surgical biopsy. If biopsy had been performed with stereotactic rather than with US guidance, the mean adjusted direct cost saving would have been +519 per case, a 39% (+519/1,332) decrease in the cost of diagnosis compared with the cost of surgical biopsy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous biopsy of a nonpalpable breast mass with either US or stereotactic guidance is less expensive than surgery, but cost savings are greater with US-guided biopsy.

publication date

  • September 1, 1998

Research

keywords

  • Biopsy
  • Breast
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0031752117

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1148/radiology.208.3.9722851

PubMed ID

  • 9722851

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 208

issue

  • 3