The usefulness of computers in managing the operation of a mammography screening practice.

A conventional desktop microcomputer can be programmed to carry out a wide variety of activities that are useful in the operation and management of a mammography screening practice. These include storage and retrieval of the records of screening examinations, direct entry of film interpretation data by the radiologist, automatic printing of examination reports, scheduling of screening appointments, tracking of follow-up procedures (including the generation of reminder letters to clients and referring physicians), and the conduct of medical audits of screening results. In general, computer-based activities can be completed more rapidly, more reliably, and at lower cost than the conventional operations they are designed to replace. All mammography screening practices can benefit from computer support.