‘Low-Value’ Medical Lab Tests and Other Overused Medical Procedures Led to $282-Million in ‘Wasted’ Healthcare Spending in Washington State in One Year, Washington Health Alliance Reports

Just eleven common tests and procedures blamed for 93% of low-value services and 89% of wasted spending Overuse of medical laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures has been a long-standing issue among pathologists and other healthcare providers. Now a Washington State healthcare watchdog organization has put a $282-million price tag on the cost of what it calls “wasteful” spending for “low-value” clinical laboratory tests and other procedures in a single year. A study by the nonprofit...

“Choosing Wisely” Program Wants to Encourage Better Utilization of Clinical Pathology Laboratory Tests

For years, pathologists and physicians have spoken out about the overuse of medical laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures. Now an interesting alliance of a medical specialty association and Consumers Reports has come together with a highly-publicized plan designed to reduce unnecessary or inappropriate testing by encouraging physicians to more deeply involve patients in the process.

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