To the Editor: As a geriatrician in the subacute sector with hospital medical officers (HMOs) rotating from a major teaching hospital, I am acutely aware of the cost to all concerned of inappropriate diagnostic testing. Discussion stimulated by Stuart et al1 and the editorial by Hammett and Harris2 may help elevate this issue into its rightful arena — quality care and clinical accountability.
Correspondence:
- 1. Stuart P, Crooks S, Porton M. An interventional program for diagnostic testing in the emergency department. Med J Aust 2002; 177: 131-134. <eMJA full text>
- 2. Hammett R, Harris R. Halting the growth in diagnostic testing [editorial]. Med J Aust 2002; 177: 124-125. <eMJA full text>
- 3. Donabedian A. The quality of care: how can it be assessed? JAMA 1988; 260: 1743-1748.
- 4. Emanuel E, Emanuel L. What is accountability in health care? Ann Intern Med 1996; 124: 229-239.
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