Cost-effectiveness of non-consensus double reading

This study examines radiologist reading policies with breast screening; specifically it estimates the incremental cost-effectiveness of non-consensus double reading compared to single reading. Cost-effectiveness is measured in terms of the cost per cancer detected. Data on effectiveness from a study of 255 000 women attending five Scottish centres, over the period 1992–1996, are combined with cost data from a recent study of eight UK screening centres. The incremental costs per cancer detected by double reading compared to single reading range from £1162 (US$1859) to £2221 (US$3554) depending on assumptions with respect to screening and assessment costs.