title: Prospective screening of diagnostic testing: a valuable tool.
abstract: The elimination of unneeded services is a key to reducing medical costs and enhancing quality of care. Diagnostic tests have been a target of efforts to reduce costs primarily because they are discretionary and often appear to be unnecessary. Believing that the concept of prior review for many diagnostic tests is a good one, this pilot study sought to evaluate prospectively the propriety of diagnostic tests ordered during the first half of 1989 on individuals insured through a major insurance carrier. A physician review found that 21% of the tests were deemed inappropriate, leading to the conclusion that prospective review can be an effective means of screening inappropriately ordered tests.
authors: Cornell University Medical College.
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Finkel
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings / Q000379:methods; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review / Q000191:economics*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000191:economics*