Assessing the Frequency of Deferrable Thyroid Nodule Biopsies to De-escalate Low-Value Care
Authors' conclusion
Overall, the rate of deferrable thyroid nodule biopsies was low. However, there is an opportunity to reduce low-value biopsies in patients with a concurrent nonthyroid cancer by partnering with oncology providers.
Study context
- Population
- Patients who underwent thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) between 2015 and 2018 at one institution; 79% female
- Participants
- 2,565 FNAs
- Outcome
- Number of deferrable FNAs, defined as FNAs performed in patients who died within 2 years after biopsy
- Follow-up
- 2 years after biopsy
Methodological detailssingle-institution
- Single-institution
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Deferrable FNAs (death within 2 years after biopsy)
Patients who died within 2 years
37
1.5%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | OR | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Factors associated with deferrable FNA: ordering specialtyMore likely to order deferrable FNAs | 4.13 | P < 0.001 |
Patients who died within 2 years: characteristics and subsequent surgery
- Concomitant nonthyroid cancer diagnosis
- 78%
- Went on to thyroid surgery
- 4
- Bethesda scores of operated patients
- 3, 4, 4, and 6
Spending associated with deferrable FNAs and subsequent surgery
- Total spending
- over $98 000
Original publication
Assessing the Frequency of Deferrable Thyroid Nodule Biopsies to De-escalate Low-Value Care. Endocr Pract. Published 29 December 2023. doi:10.
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