Current practice of screening mammography in the United States: data from the National Survey of Mammography Facilities

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the extent to which screening mammography (SCM) has been organized according to the public health concept of low-cost, high-quality, and population-based screening, selected indicators of U.S. mammography facilities were evaluated.

Materials and methods: Data from the National Cancer Institute's phase I of the National Survey of Mammography Facilities were analyzed. This data base consists of questionnaire information obtained in 1992 from a 10% random sample of U.S. mammography facilities.

Results: Of 1,057 facilities, 634 (60%) distinguished SCM from diagnostic mammography (DXM). In facilities providing SCM (n = 535), 477 (89%) used the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view and/or the craniocaudal (CC) view. While 898 (85%) of all facilities requested clinical follow-up of abnormal mammograms, only 285 (27%) facilities actually received this information. Only 137 (13%) facilities operated at high volume (> or = 15 mammograms per day per machine), and 211 (20%) used batch interpretation. Average cost of a screening mammogram was $89 (range, $10-$225).

Conclusions: While more facilities are distinguishing SCM from DXM and obtain MLO and CC views, SCM does not appear to be organized for high volume and low cost.