The mammography audit: a primer for the mammography quality standards act (MQSA).

Abstract

The medical audit of a mammography practice is a recognized method for evaluating mammography and the accuracy of mammographic interpretation [1-4]. As such, portions of the audit will become integral to the quality assurance activities of every mammography practice under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) of 1992, administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA Interim Rules, which became effective October 1, 1994, state that "each facility shall establish a system for reviewing outcome data from all mammography performed, including follow-up on the disposition of positive mammograms and correlation of surgical biopsy results with mammogram reports" [5]. It is expected that the proposed final rules, due to be released for public comment in 1995, will require collection of additional data for medical audits (public meeting of the National Mammography Advisory Committee, May 3, 1994). Although most mammography practices are now collecting clinical outcomes data on abnormal mammogr...