title: Laboratory test utilization program: structure and impact in a large academic medical center.
abstract: In 2008, the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) created a Laboratory Test Utilization Program that included the establishment of a Laboratory Formulary Committee under the imprimatur of the Faculty Group Practice, the Office of Clinical Affairs, the Department of Pathology, and UMHS hospital administration. A critical component of the program is UM-CareLink, an order entry system for inpatients and inpatient-like venues. UM-CareLink allows very basic decision support comment prompts. Through the application of peer-reviewed medical evidence, input by medical content experts, excellent cooperation by medical staff, and close oversight by Pathology of the Sendout Laboratory, this program has led to a robust process of test utilization oversight, excellent communication with clinical services, and significant UMHS activity-adjusted reductions in laboratory expense.
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, M5242B Medical Science I, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. warren@med.umich.edu
authors: Jeffrey S
authors: JS
authors: Warren
mesh_terms: D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010606:Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee / Q000458:organization & administration*