Diagnostic vs screening mammograms

Should a hospital facility with outpatient volume be doing a higher percentage of screening versus diagnostic mammograms?

Are BiRad 2 Normal Benign findings, generally return for a diagnostic mammo or screening the following year?

[Dr Santos]

How are you? For a hospital with outpatient volume, screening for asymptomatic women for the early detection of breast cancer could be more advantageous.  Diagnostic mammograms are usually taken in conjunction with clinical assessment. The use of other investigations, such as breast ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy may also be performed to assist in diagnosing the symptom. This requires more time and effort for the part of the doctors and patients. However, the decision where to concentrate should always be dependent on the hospital's vision or goals.

For BIRAD Category 2, continue annual screening mammography for women 40 and older.

Take care and regards.

[japdip]

Screening Mammograms are done and read at a later time by the Radiologist. A Diagnostic Mammogram which is usually required for those women who have had a previous diagnosis are done when the Radiologist is in attendance and read immediatley. If a benign rating is given (such as BIRAD 2) a follow-up in one year would be another screening Mammogram. There is no difference really except for the immediate reading of the films in the case of the Diag. Mammo.