Ma Irene, Lau Cheryl K, Ramdas Zane, Jackson Rhonda, Naugler Christopher
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Clin Biochem. 2019 Mar;65:58-60. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.12.013. Epub 2019 Jan 5.
Test cost display has been shown to reduce inappropriate laboratory test ordering practices in the United States. Unfortunately, such a system is limited in the Canadian publically funded healthcare environment. Many Canadian physicians inaccurately estimate the cost of laboratory tests, which may contribute to mis-utilization. Here, we provide an estimated cost of over 50 commonly ordered laboratory tests in Canada as an educational tool for physicians.
Test volume data was collected from Calgary Laboratory Services' Laboratory Information System in order to determine which laboratory and diagnostic tests are most commonly ordered in Calgary and its surrounding area. Reference median cost (RMC) of fifty one commonly ordered test was calculated by determining the price list of all-inclusive indirect costs from six different clinical laboratories across Canada.
Of the 51 laboratory tests included, the minimum RMC was $5 CAD (eg: albumin, calcium, urea), and the maximum RMC was $300 (surgical pathology report).
A caveat to the provided list of test costs is that it is only an estimate and may differ from what each individual clinical laboratories charges to third parties or for research purposes. However, this list can serve as an educational tool and raise awareness for Canadian physicians on the relative costs of laboratory tests.
在美国，已证明测试成本显示可减少不适当的实验室检查医嘱行为。不幸的是，这样的系统在加拿大公共资助的医疗环境中受到限制。许多加拿大医生对实验室检查的成本估计不准确，这可能导致使用不当。在此，我们提供加拿大50多种常见实验室检查的估计成本，作为医生的教育工具。
从卡尔加里实验室服务中心的实验室信息系统收集检查量数据，以确定卡尔加里及其周边地区最常进行的实验室和诊断检查。通过确定加拿大六个不同临床实验室的全包间接成本价格清单，计算了51种常见检查的参考中位数成本（RMC）。
在纳入的51项实验室检查中，最低RMC为5加元（例如：白蛋白、钙、尿素），最高RMC为300加元（手术病理报告）。
所提供的检查成本清单的一个注意事项是，它只是一个估计值，可能与每个临床实验室向第三方收取的费用或用于研究目的的费用不同。然而，该清单可作为一种教育工具，提高加拿大医生对实验室检查相对成本的认识。
