The study followed approximately 35,000 coronary heart diseases patients in a Veterans Affairs network over 11 months.
Of the approximately 30,000 heart disease patients with safe LDL levels recorded at a recent visit, one-third were retested unnecessarily for cholesterol levels during an 11-month follow-up period.
Study authors suggest that improving cholesterol medication guidelines for those with coronary heart disease to a dose-based approach rather than a treat-to-target-level approach could greatly reduce the number of redundant tests performed.
More Articles on Quality:
FirstHealth Moore Regional Taken Off Immediate Jeopardy Status
Quality Improvement and Infection Reduction Make Financial Sense, Study Says
Poor Communication Leads to Unsafe Discharges to Skilled Nursing Facilities, Study Finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.