The conclusion of the elegant study by Schein et al.1 in thisissue of the Journal seems obvious from their data: we shouldstop ordering routine preoperative laboratory tests for patientsbefore cataract operations or other relatively simple surgicalprocedures. On the other hand, without changes to the systemto increase preoperative clinical assessment by physicians,we may see poorer patient outcomes and higher long-term costs.
The ultimate goals of preoperative medical assessment are toreduce the morbidity associated with surgery, to increase thequality and decrease the cost of perioperative care, and torestore the patient quickly to the . . . [Full Text of this Article]
References
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