Long Mammogram Wait Times in New York City: Myth or Reality?

Background/Objective: After a period of rising mammogram rates, an unexpected dip was reported in New York City and nationally. Articles speculated that insufficient capacity in mammography facilities was responsible. A study of mammography facilities and mammogram wait times for NYC patients was undertaken in summer 2007.

Methods: Using a simulated patient survey, female study staff contacted every practicing, licensed radiology facility in NYC and requested next available appointment time. They successfully contacted 179 of 192 facilities.

Facility mammography volume and total machines were obtained from NYC Office of Radiological Health records. Analyses were produced for wait times, volumes, machines and closings, as well as subgroup analyses by facility characteristics.

Results: Average facility wait time was 3.8 weeks; median wait time 1 week. Average and median wait time weighted by volume were 5.3 weeks and 2.5 weeks respectively. 51% of facilities had wait times under two weeks; 72% under four weeks. 15% had wait times of eight weeks or more. Average wait times for public and private hospitals were 1.5 and 6.4 weeks respectively, and 3.4 weeks for private group practices. Total mammogram volume, average facility volume, and total machines have been relatively stable, with a slight rise recently. In NYC, since 2000, total women over 35 increased by 4%.

Conclusions: Contrary to published hypotheses, the study found that while some facilities do have long wait times, the problem is not widespread in NYC. Interventions such as surveillance and wait time information dissemination, and improving practice systems may be useful.