In a study published in The Journal of Urology, researchers found preoperative testing for patients undergoing mid urethral sling surgery does not adhere to national guidelines.
Leading study author, Tom S. Feng, MD, from the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and colleagues estimated the effect of overuse of preoperative testing on healthcare costs. They reviewed data for women who underwent sling surgery (with or without concomitant prolapse repair) between 2012 and 2013.
Here are four key points:
1. Researchers identified 101 women who underwent mid urethral sling surgery and 346 preoperative test orders.
2. Overall, there was no appropriate clinical indication for 76 percent of coagulation profiles, 73 percent of complete blood counts, 47 percent of basic metabolic panels, 39 percent of chest X-rays and 21 percent of electrocardiograms ordered.
3. Despite an appropriate clinical indication, 6 percent of electrocardiograms, 22 percent of chest X-rays and 10 percent of urinalyses were not ordered.
4. The estimated charges of overused tests were $1,844.15 ($18 per patient).