Disparities Associated With Patient Adherence to BI-RADS 3 Assessment Follow-up Recommendations for Mammography and Ultrasound.

Objective: To assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and adherence rates in patients with a BI-RADS 3 assessment.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed data from all patients with a BI-RADS 3 assessment on mammography and ultrasound examinations at a single, multisite academic institution, which serves a diverse urban-suburban population, from January 1, 2015, to December 13, 2017. Appropriate follow-up was defined as returning for the first follow-up examination 3 to 9 months after the index examination. Associations between BI-RADS 3 adherence rates and patient sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results: There were 4,038 patients in our study period; 2,437 patients (60%) had appropriate follow-up, 765 (19%) patients had delayed follow-up, and 836 patients (21%) were lost to follow-up. The overall malignancy rate was 1.4% (46 of 3,202). Older age, retired employment status, and Medicare insurance status were associated with increased adherence to BI-RADS 3 follow-up recommendations. Black race, single relationship status, Medicaid and self-pay insurance status, and living in a top 15% disadvantaged zip code were associated with decreased adherence. On multivariate analysis, older age remained associated with increased adherence and Medicaid insurance status with decreased adherence. Time between index examination and cancer diagnosis was shorter in patients who had timely follow-up (202 days [interquartile range 183-358] versus 392 days [interquartile range 365-563], P ≤ .001), although there was not a significant difference in stage at diagnosis (P = .46).

Discussion: Multiple sociodemographic factors are associated with low adherence to BI-RADS 3 follow-up recommendations suggesting that more frequent and targeted interventions are needed to close disparity gaps.