An Electronic Strategy for Eliminating Unnecessary Duplicate Genetic Testing

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the impact of an electronic intervention designed to block duplicate constitutional genetic tests.

Methods: We constructed, implemented, and studied an electronic intervention that stopped duplicate genetic tests. The activation frequency, types of tests affected, and cost savings achieved with this intervention were determined. The frequency and justification of override requests were also studied.

Results: This intervention stopped 710 unnecessary duplicate genetic tests over a 3-year period and saved $98,596. The tests with the highest numbers of alerts were those used for screening presurgical or transplant patients and were commonly part of an order set or test panel. Most override requests were justified because of the lack of exclusion codes in the initial programming.

Conclusions: Electronic interventions that stop duplicate genetic testing, if properly constructed, can reduce waste, save health care dollars, and facilitate patient care by directing the provider to a test that has already been performed.

Keywords: Clinical decision support; Duplicate testing; Molecular genetic testing; Utilization management.