UCSF Study Finds Cutting Common Lab Tests Saved $2M
In fiscal year 2011-2012, a reduction by nearly 50% in the use of five common laboratory tests had no effect on patient care and saved $1.7 million in insurance costs and another $75,000 in direct medical care costs, according to a study conducted by neurosurgery residents at the UC-San Francisco Medical Center. The tests included assessments of serum levels of total calcium, ionized calcium, chloride, magnesium and phosphorus.
- "Residents Save $2M by Eliminating Needless Lab Tests" (Commins, HealthLeaders Media, 10/21).