Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Screening Mammography With and Without Computer-Aided Detection

Abstract

Computer-aided detection (CAD) for mammography is intended to assist radiologists in identifying subtle cancers that might otherwise be missed. Computer-aided detection marks potential areas of concern on the mammogram, and the radiologist determines whether the area warrants further evaluation. Although CAD for mammography was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998,¹ by 2001, less than 5% of screening mammograms were interpreted with CAD in the United States. However, in 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increased reimbursement for CAD, and by 2008, 74% of all screening mammograms in the Medicare population were interpreted with CAD.^2,3