Key result
Nonclinical factors, including Medicare payment and provider characteristics, significantly predicted routine ECG ordering, which varied dramatically among individual providers (adjusted rates 0-24%).
Why the study?
What are the rates and predictors of routine ECG ordering in primary care patients without known cardiac disease?
Population
69,921 patients without known cardiac disease or suggestive symptoms making 190,238 visits to 125 primary…
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
1 year (October 1, 1996, to September 30, 1997)
Authors
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Nonclinical variation suggests potential overuse of routine ECGs; leaves open questions on appropriate indications.
Observational (n=69,921)
Yes
What are the rates and predictors of routine ECG ordering in primary care patients without known cardiac disease?
There is tremendous nonclinical variation in routine ECG ordering among primary care providers, highlighting the need for clearer consensus on screening ECGs.
Stafford et al. (2001) conducted an observational in Primary care patients without known cardiac disease (n=69,921). Nonclinical factors and provider characteristics was evaluated on Rate of ECG ordering at visits. Nonclinical factors, including Medicare payment and provider characteristics, significantly predicted routine ECG ordering, which varied dramatically among individual providers (adjusted rates 0-24%).
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