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Use of preprocedural tests by interventional radiologists
T P Murphy1, G S Dorfman, J Becker
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence 02903.
Radiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Routine preprocedural tests in cardiovascular and interventional radiology are common but excessive. Reducing their use could save millions annually, improving efficiency in invasive percutaneous procedures.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Economics
Background:
- Routine laboratory testing before invasive procedures is a common practice in interventional radiology.
- The Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (SCVIR) represents a large volume of percutaneous procedures annually.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current practices and appropriateness of routine preprocedural tests used by interventional radiologists.
- To identify potential cost savings through optimized test utilization.
Main Methods:
- A direct survey of 1,238 SCVIR members regarding the use of 14 common preprocedural tests.
- Analysis of survey data to determine the frequency and perceived necessity of these tests.
- Extrapolation of potential cost savings based on reported procedure volumes.
Main Results:
- A 34% response rate represented 322,208 procedures annually.
- Routine preprocedural testing is widely practiced among interventional radiologists.
- Survey data suggest that the current use of these tests is excessive.
Conclusions:
- The current practice of routine preprocedural testing in interventional radiology appears to be excessive.
- Implementing evidence-based guidelines could lead to significant annual cost savings, estimated between $20.0 and $34.9 million for SCVIR members in 1989.
- Optimizing preprocedural test selection can enhance healthcare efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs.