Diagnostic Testing in Family Practice

Overview

Journal Can Fam Physician

Specialties General Medicine
Public Health

Date 2011 Jan 22

PMID 21253047

Citations 3

Authors

R V Birtwhistle

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Laboratory and radiological investigations are central to the diagnosis and management of our patients' health problems. Physicians often order a diagnostic test routinely without giving much thought to the benefits, risks, and costs of the test. The increase in the number and use of diagnostic tests has contributed to the rising cost of health care over the last two decades. By consciously following a process when ordering tests, physicians may improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the tests they request. This paper provides a background and approach to the rational use of diagnostic tests.

Citing Articles

Utilisation and trends of laboratory testing and point-of-care testing in primary care in Germany: an analysis of claims data.

Markwart R, Storch J, Bleidorn J, Freytag A BMJ Open. 2024; 14(12):e093780.

PMID: 39645252 PMC: 11628953. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093780.

Trends and Between-Physician Variation in Laboratory Testing: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study in General Practice.

Schumacher L, Jager L, Meier R, Rachamin Y, Senn O, Rosemann T J Clin Med. 2020; 9(6).

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Diagnostic investigations in family practice.

Strasser R Can Fam Physician. 2011; 35:1975-80.

PMID: 21249072 PMC: 2280915.

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