Referral patterns for the evaluation of non-palpable breast abnormalities

Background. Non-palpable suspicious mammographic abnormalities require imag e-guided breast biopsies. In this study we examined primary care physicians ' knowledge of breast biopsy procedures for non-palpable lesions and referr al patterns for breast biopsies; we also identified channels to disseminate information. Methods. We mailed a baseline survey to all primary care physicians, surgeo ns, and radiologists in Vermont. Results. Primary care physicians are more likely to refer for excisional ra ther than percutaneous biopsy. Unlike surgeons and radiologists who learned about these procedures through journals and professional meetings, primary care physicians' most common source of information was from radiologists. Conclusions. Information about indications for using percutaneous breast bi opsy should be available in journals and at meetings to help primary care p roviders decide on the most appropriate algorithm of workup for patients wi th non-palpable suspicious breast abnormalities requiring biopsy.