Inappropriately ordered echocardiograms are related to socioeconomic status

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Health Services Research
• Health Economics

Background:

• Appropriateness of medical testing is a growing concern in healthcare.
• Limited research exists on demographic factors influencing inappropriate cardiac test ordering.
• Echocardiograms are common cardiac tests where appropriateness can be evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between patient demographic characteristics and the ordering of inappropriate echocardiograms.
• To identify specific patient groups at higher risk for receiving unnecessary cardiac imaging.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive series of 535 inpatients undergoing echocardiograms at a metropolitan hospital were analyzed.
• Patient demographics and the appropriateness of echocardiogram orders were examined.
• Statistical comparisons were made between different demographic groups.

Main Results:

• Inappropriate echocardiogram orders occurred in 9% of the studied cases.
• Disabled patients were significantly more likely to receive inappropriate echocardiograms than retired or employed patients.
• Medicaid patients were more likely to receive inappropriate repeat echocardiograms compared to those with Medicare or private insurance.

Conclusions:

• Specific socioeconomic and demographic factors are linked to increased rates of inappropriate echocardiogram ordering.
• Further investigation into the underlying causes of these associations is needed.
• Identifying and addressing these factors can help reduce unnecessary cardiac testing and optimize resource allocation.