The unordered test: cost of the benefit vs. benefit of the cost

As DRG pressures mount, the clinical laboratory needs to find ways to maintain the quality of its service while operating more profitably. Many laboratories have decided to focus on reducing the volume of testing. How effective and medically appropriate is this approach, and what are the alternatives? This article is adapted from Dr. Winkelman's presentation at the Bridgeport Symposium entitled "Performance Requirements for Clinical laboratories Under Prospective Reimbursement and DRGs." The Nov. 15-16, 1984 symposium was sponsored by Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Conn.