[Efficiency of diagnostic procedures in clinical pediatrics (author's transl)]

Diagnostic procedures were evaluated in a prospective study including 1099 unselected children seen at a children's hospital. The predominant importance of a detailed case history (88,3%) and of the clinical examination could be demonstrated. On the other hand, apparative routine examinations were of very limited value, mostly to exclude particular diagnoses. The efficiency of apparative diagnostic procedures could be improved by allowing for a more differentiated indication of their use.