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. 2013 May;73(5):679-83.
doi: 10.1002/ana.23865. Epub 2013 Apr 17.

Choosing Wisely: highest-cost tests in outpatient neurology

James F Burke  1 , Lesli E Skolarus, Brian C Callaghan, Kevin A Kerber
Affiliations

Choosing Wisely: highest-cost tests in outpatient neurology

James F Burke et al. Ann Neurol. 2013 May.

Abstract

Identifying the tests/procedures ordered by neurologists that contribute most to health care expenditures is a critical step in the process of creating the neurology top 5 list for the Choosing Wisely initiative. Using data from the 2007-2010 National Ambulatory Care Medical Survey, we found that $13.3 billion (95% confidence interval = $10.1-$16.5 billion) was spent on tests ordered at neurologist visits. The tests/procedures with the highest expenditures were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 51% of total expenditures; $7.5 billion), electromyography (EMG; 20% of expenditures; $2.6 billion), and electroencephalography (EEG; 8% of expenditures; $1.1 billion). MRI, EMG, and EEG should receive close scrutiny in the development of the neurology top 5 list.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Estimated Payments for the 5 most costly tests for the 10 most common diagnostic categories.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Choosing wisely: highest cost tests in outpatient neurology.
    Grant PA, Walker FO, Kincaid JC. Grant PA, et al. Ann Neurol. 2014 Mar;75(3):454. doi: 10.1002/ana.24036. Epub 2014 Mar 7. Ann Neurol. 2014. PMID: 24122952 No abstract available.
  • Reply: To PMID 23595536.
    Burke JF, Skolarus LE, Callaghan BC, Kerber KA. Burke JF, et al. Ann Neurol. 2014 Mar;75(3):454-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.24034. Epub 2014 Mar 7. Ann Neurol. 2014. PMID: 24610607 No abstract available.

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