A Simple Screening Tool Reduces Unnecessary Preoperative Evaluation for Cataract Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cataract surgery is common and low-risk. Preoperative evaluation and preoperative testing have not been shown to improve patient outcomes but do increase cost. Our process improvement aimed to reduce unnecessary preoperative primary care evaluation for cataract surgery. METHODS: We implemented a simple process involving a brief chart review and conversation with the patient to determine the appropriateness of preoperative primary care evaluations. After implementation of the screening tool, we reviewed 100 patient charts, 50 who underwent cataract surgery prior to and 50 after the intervention. RESULTS: The screening tool resulted in a decrease in primary care provider referrals from 100% to 4% and a decrease in primary care provider evaluation from 94% to 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a simple screening tool resulted in a dramatic decrease in unnecessary primary care preoperative testing.