The growing use of echocardiography--a double-edged sword?

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
A S Pearlman

Abstract

I believe that the growing volume of echocardiographic services is indeed a double-edge sword. On the one hand, it provides eloquent testimony to the versatility and perceived value of echocardiography to patient care. On the other hand, it underlines the significant resources consumed by providing these services. In these times of "do more with less," doing more can have some negative consequences. I believe that we must each act in a responsible manner, doing our part to be sure that the services we provide are truly needed. We must ask ourselves, and discuss with our referring physicians, "How will the results of this study alter patient care?" On occasion, we may find that a requested study really does not need to be performed. At the very least, this dialogue should allow us to refine the focus of the study and provide the most useful information to the treating physician. We must collect good outcomes data documenting those circumstances in which echocardiography improves outcomes and those clinical settings in which echocardiography is not helpful. We must continue to improve our skills to provide the best services to our patients. And we must also continue to adapt to changes in the health care environment. At the same ...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 11, 1999·Evaluation & the Health Professions·K ChangD B Nash

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