Journal of general internal medicine
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Multicenter Study
Communication factors in the follow-up of abnormal mammograms.
To identify the communication factors that are significantly associated with appropriate short-term follow-up of abnormal mammograms. ⋯ Follow-up care for women with abnormal mammograms requiring short-term follow-up imaging is suboptimal. Documentation of the follow-up plan by the physician and understanding of the follow-up plan by the patient are important factors that are correlated with the receipt of appropriate follow-up care for these women. Interventions designed to improve the quality of result follow-up in the outpatient setting should address these issues in patient-doctor communication.