Successful protocol for eliminating excessive urine microscopies: Quality improvement and cost savings with physician support

Abstract

Background: Clinical laboratories are under growing pressure to provide faster turn-around-time and maintain high quality while decreasing costs. In a setting of rising test volumes, implementation of evidence-based protocols with physician cooperation and feedback may provide frameworks and support for laboratory utilization optimization. The purpose of this study was to eliminate wasteful urine microscopy by targeting physician ordering behavior, and to ensure quality of care with physician satisfaction surveys.

Methods: We evaluated how physicians use the laboratory for routine urine testing. Urinalysis requisition was redesigned with emphasis on clinical indications for testing. In collaboration with requesting physicians, restriction in reflex microscopy testing was applied with exceptions. Cost saving analysis was conducted based on test volume. After policy change, 2 physician satisfaction surveys were conducted 5year apart to address potential complaints.

Results: Over 47,000 urine microscopies have been eliminated annually, while the number of urine dipsticks and cultures remained stable. This translated into a 95% reduction in manual microscopy performed, and an estimated annual saving of $200,000. In both satisfaction surveys, 9 out of 10 physicians considered the change to have "no" or "a beneficial effect" on their clinical practice. Our laboratory did not receive any formal complaints in regards to the protocol change.

Conclusion: By implementing changes to the way physicians order urinalysis, the number of tests can be substantially reduced. Satisfaction survey proved to be an effective tool for obtaining physician feedback, and support. The results of surveys indicated that new policy achieved significant savings without compromising on patient care. This experience has provided us with strategies on taking initiatives to further optimize utilization of laboratory tests.

Keywords: Cost saving; Management; Survey; Test utilization; Urinalysis; Urine microscopy.