Variation among pathologists' treatment suggestions for melanocytic lesions: A survey of pathologists.

BACKGROUND: The extent of variability in treatment suggestions for melanocytic lesions made by pathologists is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated how often pathologists rendered suggestions, reasons for providing suggestions, and concordance with national guidelines.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of pathologists. Data included physician characteristics, experience, and treatment recommendation practices.

RESULTS: Of 301 pathologists, 207 (69%) from 10 states (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington) enrolled. In all, 15% and 7% reported never and always including suggestions, respectively. Reasons for offering suggestions included improved care (79%), clarification (68%), and legal liability (39%). Reasons for not offering suggestions included referring physician preference (48%), lack of clinical information (44%), and expertise (29%). Training and caseload were associated with offering suggestions (P < .05). Physician suggestions were most consistent for mild/moderate dysplastic nevi and melanoma. For melanoma in situ, 18 (9%) and 32 (15%) pathologists made suggestions that undertreated or overtreated lesions based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, respectively. For invasive melanoma, 14 (7%) pathologists made treatment suggestions that undertreated lesions based on NCCN guidelines.

LIMITATIONS: Treatment suggestions were self-reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Pathologists made recommendations ranging in consistency. These findings may inform efforts to reduce treatment variability and optimize patterns of care delivery for patients.