Acute abdomen. How to balance costs and quality care

The costs of health care have been escalating at such a rapid rate, especially during the past decade, that not only in the United States but throughout the Western World, stringent efforts are being made to control and decrease costs. Physicians, through their orders, are responsible for the major part of escalating costs. Sophisticated modern technology plays a large role in medical expense, and will need to be used very discriminately if costs are to be controlled and decreased. Although modern medical technology frequently enhances diagnosis and management, even physicians experienced with its use will attest to its overutilization. Pediatric surgeons and other physicians at times will substitute technology for the basics of history taking and meticulous physical examination. Controlling and lowering the cost of children's surgical care can be achieved in balance and in concert with the provision of optimal care.