BRINGING CORE BIOPSY INTO A SURGICAL PRACTICE

Minimally invasive diagnostic techniques in evaluating patients with b reast disease have been increasingly utilized and accepted by physicia ns and patients over recent years. The incorporation of stereotactic c ore needle biopsy and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy into the of fice practice of evaluating patients with breast disease by our surgic al faculty has been met favorably. These procedures are readily learne d by surgeons. The judicious use of these procedures is evidenced by t he malignancy rate of core biopsies of 16 per cent, identical to the h istorical rate for needle localization assisted excisional biopsy at o ur institution. Core breast biopsy expedites definitive diagnosis and optimizes patient convenience. Reimbursement is highly variable, and a ctive physician participation in negotiating with payers to insure tha t costs are met is essential.