Jill Janine Schieda MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Holly N. Marshall MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Patrick McNamara MD, Abstract Co-Author: Stockholder, Apple Inc Stockholder, Johnson & Johnson Consultant, Johnson & Johnson (Endo-Surgery Institute)

Rachna Dutta MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dubravka Oravec, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mark Stephen Rzeszotarski PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To analyze the wait times for screening and diagnostic mammograms in various areas of the country.

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.

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.

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.

Knowledge regarding the wait times for mammographic examinations allows institutions to implement methods to decrease the wait time and better serve the patient population.

Schieda, J, Marshall, H, McNamara, M, Dutta, R, Oravec, D, Rzeszotarski, M, When Will You Be Seen for Your Mammogram?.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5014466.html