Patient-centered Care: Value Added by Breast Radiologists in the Management of Breast Pain

Abstract

With the shift of the healthcare system toward patient-centered, value-based care, the role of the breast radiologist is essential and increasingly multifaceted. Beyond sole image interpreters, breast radiologists serve as subject matter experts within multidisciplinary care teams, acting as advocates and initiators into the healthcare system and providing patient-centered care through effective communication and patient education. These vital roles are well demonstrated through the imaging evaluation and management of the most common breast symptom that affects the majority of the patient population-mastalgia. By leveraging the opportunities provided during the evaluation of the symptomatic breast to optimize patient communication and education, as well as integration of care delivery, breast radiologists add significant value to patient care and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: breast pain; communication; mastalgia; patient-centered care; symptomatic breast; value-based care.