IMPACT OF STEREOTAXIC CORE BREAST BIOPSY ON COST OF DIAGNOSIS

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency with which stereotaxic core biopsy of the breast obviated diagnostic surgical biopsy and to estimate the savings in cost of diagnosis with this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHO DS: Stereotaxic core biopsy of 182 nonpalpable, mammographically evide nt lesions was performed, and data from clinical follow-up were obtain ed. Savings in cost were assessed by using national Medicare reimburse ment data and a relative value system based on national physician revi ews (Relative Values for Physicians [RVP]). RESULTS: Stereotaxic core biopsy replaced a surgical procedure in 140 of 182 patients. The mean adjusted direct savings in cost per stereotaxic core biopsy were $893 (Medicare) or $1,498 (RVP). Use of stereotaxic core biopsy decreased t he cost of diagnosis by 52% (RVP) or 55% (Medicare). CONCLUSION: Stere otaxic core biopsy obviated surgical biopsy for most nonpalpable lesio ns sampled, resulting in a greater than 50% reduction in biopsy costs. If these results were generalizable to the national level, annual sav ings would approach $200 million.