!n an accompanying article in this issue of the Archives of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, Shahram Shahangian, PhD, and colleagues have put forth, in "Trends in Laboratory Test Volumes for Medicare Part B Reimbursements, 2000-2010,"1 data regarding the changes in the volume of frequently ordered laboratory tests. Along with the data, the authors provide reasonable interpretations and explanations of their findings, for example, the identified decreased use of lithium testing being due to the increased use of newer, more effective, better-tolerated antidepres-sants. The study provides evidence-based literature showing real trends in laboratory testing, which can confidently be used in the health policy arena. Their study, heavy with data and charts, is a good example of the kind of literature-evidence-based-that needs to be produced to most effectively inform health policy.
展开▼
