#assessments: What are the MQSA-compliant overall imaging assessment categories for reports?

QUESTION:

If the imaging assessment on the report of test results reads as: "Mammogram of the left breast for marker placement post procedure," would that be compliant with the 2024 MQSA Guidelines?

ANSWER:

No, the mandated statement overall assessment reads as follows “Post-Procedure Mammogram for Marker Placement.” There will be conformity of all imaging assessments across the country when using the mandated statements in the quotations. 

At minimum, the following are the overall imaging assessments that are required on all mammogram report of test results:

• “Negative”
• “Benign”
• “Probably Benign”
• “Suspicious”
• “Highly suggestive of Malignancy”
• “Known Biopsy-Proven Malignancy”
• “Post-Procedure Mammogram for Marker Placement”
• “Incomplete: Need additional imaging evaluation”
• “Incomplete: Need prior Mammograms for Comparison”

All information in this answer and all others are sourced from the MQSA Hotline at +1 (800) 838-7715. For other questions, contact Mammologix or the MQSA Program directly!