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You can safely skip the LDH and save thousands
Healthcare Benchmarks
|November 3, 1997
Summary
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) testing is not necessary for diagnosing myocardial infarction, according to a study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Avoiding these tests can significantly reduce healthcare costs and unnecessary procedures.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pathology
- Cardiology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in many body tissues.
- Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage, including myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- National guidelines have advised against routine LDH testing for myocardial infarction diagnosis since 1990.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization and necessity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) testing for ruling out myocardial infarction.
- To assess the financial impact of unnecessary LDH testing in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A utilization review study was conducted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
- The study analyzed the frequency and appropriateness of LDH testing orders.
- Financial savings were calculated based on the number of avoided tests.
Main Results:
- The study concluded that LDH testing is not required to rule out myocardial infarction.
- Discontinuing 6,177 unnecessary LDH tests resulted in savings of $47,000.
- Approximately 75% of hospitals routinely perform unnecessary diagnostic tests.
Conclusions:
- Routine lactate dehydrogenase testing for myocardial infarction is medically unnecessary and costly.
- Implementing evidence-based guidelines for diagnostic testing can improve healthcare efficiency and reduce costs.
- Hospitals should review their testing protocols to eliminate low-value procedures.