Utilization analysis in hematopathology

Abstract

Utilization management in pathology requires the physician to consider whether a test is necessary and appropriate for the current condition of the patient. This has both medical care implications-how best to detect disease with the highest sensitivity and specificity-and fiscal implications. In an era where reimbursement is tied increasingly to bundled incidents of care or to particular quality measures, unnecessary lab costs must be avoided while adhering to the physician imperative to do no harm.