U.S. screening mammography services with mobile units: results from the National Survey of Mammography Facilities.

PURPOSE

To investigate elements of mobile facilities for mammography in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prevalence and performance of mobile facilities for mammography in the United States were studied with regard to cost, price, quality assurance, and access. Data were acquired from the National Cancer Institute's National Survey of Mammography Facilities, conducted in 1992.

RESULTS

Of the 1,057 facilities surveyed, 2.4% were identified as mobile and accounted for 3% of mammography examinations performed. All mobile facilities reported accreditation by the American College of Radiology, and 92% were in Statistically Metropolitan Areas. Most were affiliated with community hospitals or private radiology practice and were more likely to be associated with lower fees, convenient operating hours, batch interpretation, and computerized reporting than were their stationary counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Mobile mammography facilities compare favorably with stationary facilities. The use of these mobile units in the United States, however, has been limited.