Prospective Evaluation of the Cost of Performing Breast Imaging Examinations Using a Time- Driven Activity-Based Costing Method: A Single- Center Study.

This article presents a prospective single-center study evaluating the true costs of performing breast imaging examinations using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). The study analyzed 80 female patients undergoing various screening, diagnostic, and biopsy breast imaging exams—including full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), ultrasound (US), MRI, and stereotactic, US-guided, and MRI-guided biopsies—to determine mean costs and key cost contributors such as personnel, equipment, and supplies. Results showed that personnel costs were the major contributor to most screening and diagnostic exams except MRI, where equipment costs predominated; biopsy procedures had substantial supply and personnel costs. The study also found variability in Medicare reimbursement relative to actual costs, suggesting that TDABC can inform cost-saving strategies and more accurate healthcare pricing in breast imaging.