Decision making in pathology: what is the impact of economic and technologic change?

Diagnostic anatomic pathologists have to resolve a number of conflicts. They have been thrust into medical marketplace competition with which they have little experience. New technology and CPT-4 codes have given them an economic base at the same time that DRGs are limiting expenditures. Computerized surgical pathology reports are possible, but do they communicate useful information? So as not to be replaced by the very tools they use, the author explains why diagnostic anatomic pathologists must report useful information and select only the most cost-effective techniques.