Official Statements
The American Society of Breast Surgeons has developed the following statements, guidelines, quality measures, resource guides, and manuscripts as a resource for our members. Please send any thoughts, comments, and feedback to Brooke Bixler, Program Manager, at bbixler@breastsurgeons.org. Organizations requesting partnership with ASBrS should submit a Document Request Form (Word Doc).
public download in PDF format
members-only access through Annals
Clinical Consensus Statements (CCS)
CCS summarize the indications and management considerations for a specific disease or condition. CCS reflect what ASBrS considers to be optimal practice, but may require modification based on the clinical circumstance, the physicians' judgment, the patient's preference, and the consideration that scientific evidence continues to evolve. CCS may or may not include a Clinical Pathway depending on topic and circumstances. Learn More
Emerging Issues Reports (EIR)
EIR summarize information issued related to urgent or previously unknown issues that affect ASBrS members and practice. Topics may include procedures, surgical approaches, operative setting, etc, with the potential for increased morbidity/mortality related to lack of research evidence. EIR can be used in the interim between updates to CPGs or CCS if needed. Learn More
Position/Policy Reports (PPR)
PPR present ASBrS positions, philosophy, and/or policies on topics of interest specific to the breast surgery specialty. PPR can also cover topics related to legal, ethical, insurance coverage, or regulatory issues. Learn More
Resource Guides (RG)
RG are statements of expert opinion for which there may or may not be supporting evidence available in the medical literature. Learn More
Quality Measures (QM)
QM are standards for measuring the performance of breast surgeons in the delivery of health care services. Measures may address processes or outcomes designed to promote effective, safe, efficient, patient-centered, equitable, and timely care. Learn More
ASBrS membership is required.
Learn more about membership.
Level of Evidence
- A systematic review is performed.
Composition of Development Group
- Subject matter experts in the topic area
- Led/Oversight from Statements and Pathway Committee
External Review
- Reviewed by the Statements and Pathways Committee (excluding those involved with CCS development), BOD, and available for public comment
Review Cycle
- Every 5 years or on an ad hoc basis
Level of Evidence
- Literature review (if applicable); panel members review the literature and contribute practical knowledge and experience to conclusions.
Composition of Development Group
- Subject matter experts in the topic area
- Led/Oversight from Critical Writing, Editing, and Review Committee (CWERC)
External Review
- Reviewed by the CWERC and the Board of Directors
Review Cycle
- On an ad hoc basis, as determined by CWERC
Level of Evidence
- Literature review; panel members review the literature and contribute practical knowledge and experience to conclusions.
Composition of Development Group
- Subject matter experts in the topic area
- Led/Oversight from Critical Writing, Editing, and Review Committee (CWERC)
External Review
- Reviewed by CWERC (excluding those involved with PPR development) and the Board of Directors
- Consider public comment depending on topic
Review Cycle
- On an ad hoc basis, as determined by CWERC
Level of Evidence
- Expert opinion supported by available literature. No formal literature review conducted.
Composition of Development Group
- Subject matter experts and others with interest in topic area
- Led/Oversight from Critical Writing, Editing and Review Committee (CWERC)
External Review
- Reviewed by CWERC (excluding those involved with RG development) and the Board of Directors, and available for public comment
Review Cycle
Level of Evidence
- Literature review: panel members review the literature and contribute practical knowledge and experience to conclusions.
Composition of Development Group
- Patient Safety & Quality Committee and subject matter experts in the topic area as needed.
External Review
- Reviewed and approved by Critical Writing, Editing and Review Committee (CWERC) and the Board of Directors, and available for public comment
- Quality Payment Program measures reviewed and approved by CMS.
Review Cycle
- Every 5 years or on an ad hoc basis as determined by the Patient Safety & Quality Committee.
- Quality Payment Program measures reviewed annually.
