Duplicate laboratory test reduction using a clinical decision support tool.
OBJECTIVE
Duplicate laboratory tests that are unwarranted increase unnecessary phlebotomy, which contributes to iatrogenic anemia, decreased patient satisfaction, and increased health care costs.


METHODS
We employed a clinical decision support tool (CDST) to block unnecessary duplicate test orders during the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) process. We assessed laboratory cost savings after 2 years and searched for untoward patient events associated with this intervention.


RESULTS
This CDST blocked 11,790 unnecessary duplicate test orders in these 2 years, which resulted in a cost savings of $183,586. There were no untoward effects reported associated with this intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
The movement to CPOE affords real-time interaction between the laboratory and the physician through CDSTs that signal duplicate orders. These interactions save health care dollars and should also increase patient satisfaction and well-being.
Dept of Molecular Pathology, 9500 Euclid Ave, LL2-2, Cleveland, OH 44195; procopg@ccf.org.
Gary W
GW
Procop
Lisa M
LM
Yerian
Robert
R
Wyllie
A Marc
AM
Harrison
Kandice
K
Kottke-Marchant
D064790:Clinical Laboratory Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017046:Cost Savings; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical / Q000191:economics*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D050316:Medical Order Entry Systems / Q000191:economics*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
Clinical decision support; Meaningful use; Test utilization