Key result
Cardiologists order ~106% more treadmill tests than internists for uncomplicated syncope.
Why the study?
Whether cardiologists or internists use discretionary tests differently for noncritical cardiological presentations was unclear.
Does clinical decision making and test ordering differ between cardiologists and internists for noncritical cardiological presentations?
Population
318 cardiologists and 598 internists responding to clinical scenarios
Comparison
Clinical decision making by cardiologists vs clinical decision making by internists
Design
Cross-sectional study
Authors
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Specialty differences in discretionary testing warrant caution in noncritical scenarios; leaves open whether cardiologist-led patterns improve outcomes or increase overutilization.
Cross-Sectional (n=916)
Does clinical decision making and test ordering differ between cardiologists and internists for noncritical cardiological presentations?
Absolute Event Rate: 37% vs 18%
Cardiologists and internists differ substantially in discretionary test use for noncritical cardiology scenarios, with cardiologists focusing more on cardiological tests and internists on broader evaluations, though overall charges are similar.
Peter Glassman (1997) conducted a cross-sectional in Noncritical cardiological presentations (n=916). Cardiologist specialty vs. Internist specialty was evaluated on Recommendation of exercise treadmill tests for uncomplicated syncope (95% CI 10%-28%). Cardiologists ordered more cardiological tests than internists for noncritical scenarios, such as exercise treadmill tests for uncomplicated syncope (37% vs 18%; 95% CI for difference 10%-28%).
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