When Will You Be Seen for Your Mammogram? (original) (raw)

2007

Abstract

ABSTRACT PURPOSE To analyze the wait times for screening and diagnostic mammograms in various areas of the country. METHOD AND MATERIALS Both academic and community hospitals/imaging centers were contacted, and a standard script was used to obtain information regarding the wait times for screening and diagnostic mammograms. RESULTS Preliminary results have been obtained from contacting 10 institutions in Ohio and 11 institutions in California. In Ohio, the wait time for a screening mammogram ranged from 1-12 days, with an average wait time of 3.8 days, while the wait time for a diagnostic mammogram was 1-14 days, with an average wait time of 4.4 days. In California, the wait time for a screening mammogram ranged from 1-60 days, with an average wait time of 25.7 days, while the wait time for a diagnostic mammogram was 1-69 days, with an average wait time of 21.1 days. Overall, the average wait time for a screening mammogram was 15.3 days, and the average wait time for a diagnostic mammogram was 13.1 days. CONCLUSION Initial results show a nearly equivalent wait time for screening and diagnostic mammograms. We plan to expand this study to involve additional states and regions of the country. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION Knowledge regarding the wait times for mammographic examinations allows institutions to implement methods to decrease the wait time and better serve the patient population.

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