Integrating Decision Support into a Laboratory Utilization Management Program

Overuse of clinical laboratory testing increases costs, contributes to iatrogenic anemia, and results in downstream costs, including unnecessary work-ups and treatments. Physicians order unnecessary laboratory tests because of lack of knowledge, the practice of defensive medicine and adherence to historical test ordering. Utilization management is increasingly important to control costs and ensure patients receive appropriate tests for diagnosis and management. Clinical decision support is essential for a successful utilization management program. Successful programs rely on clinical informatics to identify misutilization, implement interventions, and track effectiveness. We describe the role of clinical decision support in a laboratory utilization management program.