Rate of compliance with recommendations for additional mammographic views and biopsies

All recommendations for immediate additional studies and biopsies following routine mammography during a 6-month period were reviewed retrospectively to establish compliance rates and determine the time intervals for completion of the recommendations. During this period, 5,693 mammograms were obtained. Additional mammographic studies and biopsies were recommended for 364 (6.4%) and 180 (3.2%) of all patients, respectively. The compliance rates were 99.7% (n = 363) for additional studies and 98.9% (n = 178) for biopsies. Additional studies and biopsies were completed within 30 days of the recommendations in 98.4% (n = 358) and 91.7% (n = 165) of the patients, respectively. Compliance with recommendations for additional studies within relatively short periods can be maximized by having the mammographic facility schedule examinations directly with the patients. Compliance with biopsy recommendations can be optimized by directly contacting the referring physician. Follow-up written reports should specifically state that a biopsy is recommended and that this has been discussed directly with the referring physician.