Michael Misialek: The Cost of Laboratory Testing ("...there is somewhere near a 30% overutilization rate for tests ordered and a similar underutilization rate.")

The Cost of Laboratory Testing

By Michael J. Misialek, MD

"With over 5 billion lab tests per year, there is a lot of opportunity to reduce duplicate tests, reduce errors, and provide better care to patients.  A recent study found that there is somewhere near a 30% overutilization rate for tests ordered and a similar underutilization rate.  Granted most lab tests are inexpensive, however, consequences of inappropriate testing  leads to significant cost and waste, i.e. increased length of hospital stay, increased procedures and visits. Although lab testing only accounts for 3-5% of medical costs, the downstream impact is much greater."