Radiologist

Breast density is something that we as radiologists are always aware of. We always mention in our mammography reports whether the breasts are very dense, moderately so, or not very dense. There are actually 4 categories. The problem is that the information is not always communicated to the patients. We are required by MQSA to provide every patient with the results of their mammogram in writing. Some folks mail these results while others, like myself, usually provide it to the patient when she has completed her exam. We are now attempting to include information about density in those results. Our mammography technologists will answer any questions that the patient may have, and frequently I will also speak with them myself. I don't really have an opinion about whether legislation is the way to handle this. Breast density is something that we as radiologists are always aware of. We always mention in our mammography reports whether the breasts are very dense, moderately so, or not very dense. There are actually 4 categories. The problem is that the information is not always communicated to the patients. We are required by MQSA to provide every patient with the results of their mammogram in writing. Some folks mail these results while others, like myself, usually provide it to the patient when she has completed her exam. We are now attempting to include information about density in those results. Our mammography technologists will answer any questions that the patient may have, and frequently I will also speak with them myself. I don't really have an opinion about whether legislation is the way to handle this.

I’d worry less about the performance of the mammography than about the read of the actual image. The actual mechanics of performing the mammography, while important, are less important than having a well-qualified radiologist. A good radiologist will know both whether the mammography was set up correctly in the first place just by looking at the image (and will re-order another one if not), and whether it’s being read and interpreted correctly. I’d worry less about the performance of the mammography than about the read of the actual image. The actual mechanics of performing the mammography, while important, are less important than having a well-qualified radiologist. A good radiologist will know both whether the mammography was set up correctly in the first place just by looking at the image (and will re-order another one if not), and whether it’s being read and interpreted correctly.