Are patients unnecessarily tested for rare liver conditions?
A new article published in the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation University of Michigan discusses why patients are unnecessarily tested for rare liver conditions, which raises concerns and costs.
Researchers from the University of Michigan conducted studies aimed at the issue of over testing for liver conditions. They published findings in the Journal of Hospital Medicine and the Journal of Hepatology. In the papers, the team of researchers recommend that physicians should exclude common liver issues before testing for the uncommon ones.
Another recommendation they note is that doctors should use the computer systems that are used to order liver tests to help them pause and think about their choices.
“Physicians are legitimately thinking they’re doing the right thing by ordering the full ‘panel’ of tests, being thorough and trying not to miss anything. In the hospital, they may be doing what a consulting liver specialist has suggested," wrote Elliot Tapper, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist who treats liver diseases. "But they’re not aware of, or thinking about, the ramifications...This can include false positives for rare diseases that can cause the patient and their family anxiety, and lead to unnecessary liver biopsies.”
Full article here:
Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.