Patient Preferences for Result Communication Across the Breast Imaging Continuum: A Review

Patient preferences for communication of breast imaging results are heterogeneous and depend on the clinical context and perceived severity of findings. The 21st Century Cures Act, which mandates immediate electronic release of most medical records, has fundamentally altered result reporting and patient communication in breast imaging. Although this policy enhances transparency and timely access to information, it may conflict with established preferences for how patients receive screening mammography results, diagnostic evaluations, breast biopsy results, and breast cancer risk assessment information. Prior studies-largely conducted before widespread patient portal use-demonstrated that breast imaging patients consistently prioritize timely communication, while preferred delivery methods vary based on result acuity and emotional impact. However, much of this literature pre-dates implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act and widespread use of patient portals. This review examines the current literature to summarize evidence-based patient preferences for breast imaging result communication. As adoption of immediate result release continues to evolve across institutions, understanding contemporary patient preferences is essential to guiding radiologists in optimizing patient-centered communication strategies to inform best practices in breast imaging.