‘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

Aug 29, 2018 | Laboratory Pathology

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

Jul 20, 2012 | Coding, Billing, and Collections, Compliance, Legal, and Malpractice, Digital Pathology, Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Management & Operations, News From Dark Daily

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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