How can hospital autopsy rates be increased?
Autopsy studies have provided the foundation of our knowledge of clinical medicine. Despite the acknowledged value of this postmortem procedure, hospital autopsy rates have fallen to only 10% of deaths. New diseases and therapeutic modalities are in danger of not being properly evaluated. A number of proposals have been made to increase autopsy rates. While many of these proposals are excellent, the key to increasing autopsy rates is direct reimbursement by third-party payers.
Brooks
J P
JP
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, TN 38104.
Dempsey
J
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001344:Autopsy / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006761:Hospitals; D010336:Pathology; D011786:Quality Control; D014481:United States