Turn Around Time
What is turnaround time?
Turnaround time (TAT) is the time it takes between an imaging series for a radiologist to receive and interpret the images, return them to the physician overseeing the case, and notify the patient of the exam results. TAT can also be applied to other events in a series, such as the turnaround time from a patient receiving a biopsy to the notification of the resulting findings.
What is the average turnaround time for mammograms?
While different facilities may have varying turnaround times due to the use of different equipment, it's crucial to strike a balance. For instance, screening mammograms often have a quicker TAT than diagnostic ones, thanks to the less complex imaging process. However, the key challenge lies in maintaining a TAT that is both efficient and thorough without compromising on the quality of interpretation.
Sources:
Jackson, W. L. (2020, November 13). In Radiology, Turnaround Time is King. DiagnosticImaging. https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/radiology-turnaround-time-king