An interventional program for diagnostic testing in the emergency department

To the Editor: The rate of growth of pathology and radiology testing over the last decade has surpassed the average growth of most other medical services.1 Pathology Medicare items processed per capita between 1996–97 and 1998–99 demonstrated the largest increase (8%) of all item types. The interventional program for reducing diagnostic testing reported by Stuart, Crooks and Porton shows promise in addressing this increase in the emergency department, and has significant potential across other hospital departments.2