Utilization of minimally invasive breast biopsy for the evaluation of suspicious breast lesions

BackgroundPercutaneous needle biopsy, also known as minimally invasive breast biopsy (MIBB), has become the gold standard for the initial assessment of suspicious breast lesions. The purpose of this study is to determine modern rates of MIBB and open breast biopsy.MethodsThe Florida Agency for Health Care Administration outpatient surgery and procedure database was queried for patients undergoing open surgical biopsy and MIBB between 2003 and 2008.ResultsAlthough there was an increase in the use of MIBB, the overall rate of open surgical biopsy remained high (∼30%). A reduction in the open biopsy rate from 30% to 10% could be associated with a charge reduction of >$37.2 million per year.ConclusionsThe current rate of open surgical breast biopsy remains high. Interventions and quality initiatives are warranted, which could lead to a reduction in unnecessary operations for women, improved patient care, and a reduction in breast health care costs.