Interpreting Data from Audits When Screening and Diagnostic Mammography Outcomes Are Combined

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to use mathematic models to aid mammography practices in interpreting outcomes data derived from a combination of screening and diagnostic examinations, and in interpreting diagnostic mammography outcomes data that are not segregated by indication for examination.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We analyzed outcomes from 51,805 consecutive mammography examinations. Screening and diagnostic examinations were audited separately. Diagnostic examinations were audited by indication for examination. Extrapolating from our known mix of screening (79%) and diagnostic (21%) examinations, we determined expected combined outcomes for various mixes that might be encountered in clinical practice. Similarly, we determined the expected overall diagnostic mammography outcomes for various clinically relevant mixes of indications for examination.RESULTS. Outcomes vary substantially depending on the mix of screening and diagnostic examinations performed. For example, expected outcomes for pr...

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