BACKGROUND: In the multidisciplinary care model, breast imagers frequently provide second-opinion reviews of imaging studies performed at outside institutions. However, the need for additional imaging and timeliness of obtaining these studies has yet to be established. We sought to evaluate the frequency of additional imaging orders by breast surgeons and to evaluate the impact of this supplementary imaging on timeliness of surgery. METHODS: We identified 2489 consecutive @entity1 with @entity0 who underwent first definitive surgery (FDS) at our comprehensive @entity5 center between 2011 and 2013. The number of breast-specific imaging studies performed for each @entity1 between initial consultation and FDS was obtained.    (2) tests were used to quantify the proportion of @entity1 undergoing additional imaging by surgeon. Interval time between initial consultation and additional imaging and/or biopsy was calculated. The delay of additional imaging on time to FDS was assessed by t test. RESULTS: Of 2489 @entity1 , 615 (24.7 %) had at least one additional breast-specific imaging study performed between initial consultation and FDS, with 222 @entity1 undergoing additional biopsies (8.9 %). The proportion of @entity1 receiving imaging tests by breast surgeon ranged from 15 to 39 % (p < 0.0001). @entity1 receiving additional imaging had statistically longer wait times to FDS for BCT (21.4-28.5 days, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in the utilization of additional breast-specific imaging and in the timeliness of obtaining these tests among breast surgeons. Further research is warranted to assess the sources and impact of this variation on @entity1 care, cost, and outcomes.

Variation in Additional Breast Imaging Orders and Impact on Surgical Wait Times at a XXXX Center.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Patients', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['cancer'] @entity0 :: ('MESH:D001943', 'Disease') :: ['breast cancer']
@entity5 :: (MESH:D009369,Disease) :: ['Comprehensive Cancer']
