US-guided core breast biopsy: Use and cost-effectiveness Journal Article


Authors: Liberman, L.; Feng, T. L.; Dershaw, D. D.; Morris, E. A.; Abramson, A. F.
Article Title: US-guided core breast biopsy: Use and cost-effectiveness
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.
Keywords: adult; controlled study; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; major clinical study; breast; echomammography; breast neoplasms; biopsy; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic value; breast tumor; cost-benefit analysis; breast biopsy; cost savings; breast diseases; stereotaxic surgery; precancerous conditions; ultrasonography, mammary; humans; human; female; priority journal; article; breast neoplasms, diagnosis; breast, biopsy; stereotaxis; biopsies, technology; ultrasound (us), guidance
Journal Title: Radiology
Volume: 208
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0033-8419
Publisher: Radiological Society of North America, Inc.  
Date Published: 1998-09-01
Start Page: 717
End Page: 723
Language: English
PUBMED: 9722851
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1148/radiology.208.3.9722851
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 12 December 2016 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. D David Dershaw
    223 Dershaw
  2. Laura Liberman
    176 Liberman
  3. Timothy L Feng
    4 Feng
  4. Elizabeth A Morris
    336 Morris