Clinician-ordered peripheral blood smears have low reimbursement and variable clinical value: a three-institution study, with suggestions for operational efficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Peripheral blood smears are performed to evaluate a variety of hematologic and non-hematologic disorders. At the authors' institutions, clinician requests for pathologist-performed blood smear reviews have increased in recent years. Blood smears may contribute significantly to pathologists' workloads, yet their clinical value is variable, and professional reimbursement rates are low. This study aimed to identify clinical scenarios in which smear review is likely to provide value beyond automated laboratory testing.

Methods

Blood smear review practices at three institutions were examined, and the indications for and interpretations of clinician-initiated smears were reviewed to determine the percentage of smears with potential added clinical value. A smear review w

SUBMITTER: Beckman AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7500005 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature