Our analysis showed that potential overuse of bone density scans (DEXA scans), cancer antigen 125 blood tests (CA-125), and electrocardiography (ECG) among individuals with employer-sponsored insurance remained high but declined consistently between 2008 and 2013:
- The national rate of potential overuse for medical services in the study exhibited a sustained downward trend between 2008 and 2013: from 21.2 to 13.7 per 1,000 women for DEXA scans, from 4.7 to 3.3 per 1,000 women for CA-125 tests, and from 87.5 per 1,000 individuals in 2009 to 84.6 per 1,000 in 2013 for ECGs.
- The total national spending associated with potential overuse of DEXA scans, CA-125 tests and ECGs in the population with employer-sponsored insurance was $154 million in 2013.
- Clinicians may be more cognizant of test appropriateness criteria through such efforts as the Choosing Wisely campaign and ACP鈥檚 High Value Care Initiative, as well as health plans鈥� efforts to promote evidence-based medicine.
- The adoption of clinical guidelines and decision support tools at the point of care may help in reducing the overuse of medical services.