title: Evaluating doctors' office testing patterns.
abstract: This article explores the factors that contribute to variability in the test ordering patterns of physicians and reviews the attempts that have been made to reduce unnecessary laboratory testing. Identifying problematic areas in the doctor's office can help to ensure that new technologies will be used appropriately and that quality care can be delivered without wasting health-care dollars.
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003363:Cost Control; D010820:Physicians; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review