Diagnostic Stewardship: Practical Interventions that Improve Patient Care

Healthcare is transitioning from a fee-for-service model to one focused on value-based care, in which emphasis will be placed on ordering tests and procedures that can be linked to reduced hospital stays and improved patient outcomes. Clinical microbiology laboratories are a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of patients with infectious diseases, and testing performed in these laboratories is often complex and can be expensive. As a key component of patient care and the value-based equation, these laboratories will need to be active participants in the development of diagnostic stewardship programs, to guide healthcare providers toward the “right test, for the right patient, at the right time.” 

Therefore, it is essential for clinical microbiology laboratories to have a firm understanding of the concept of diagnostic stewardship and how they can contribute to reducing overall healthcare costs and improving patient care. This will involve medical microbiologists and industry collaborating to develop tests that impact patient management. In addition, these groups will need to work closely with healthcare providers to create test utilization algorithms, which will guide physicians to the appropriate tests and assist with result interpretation.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this educational series, participants will be able to: 

  • Define diagnostic stewardship.
  • Describe how to establish a functional and effective diagnostic stewardship program.
  • Explain case scenarios where laboratory data and testing algorithms have been used to reduce costs and/or improve patient outcomes.

Webinar Topics

Oct. 26: Introduction to Diagnostic Stewardship:

Speakers:

Christopher Doern, Ph.D., D(ABMM)
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Virginia Commonwealth University
Nov. 9: Diagnostic Stewardship Applications 1: Improving Appropriate Use of Antimicrobials

Speakers:

Anna Sick-Samuels, M.D., M.P.H.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins Hospital

Charlotte Woods-Hill, M.D., M.S.H.P.
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Nov. 16: Diagnostic Stewardship Applications 2: The Changing Landscape of Reimbursement and Financial Implications for Test Utilization

Speakers:

Laurel Glaser, M.D., Ph.D, D(ABMM)
University of Pennsylvania Perelman
School of Medicine


Joseph Yao, M.D., D(ABMM)
Mayo Clinic

 

Format

  • There are 3 webinars in this series. 
  • Each webinar will be presented live and the recording of that presentation will be available within 3 business days. 
  • Each webinar's content is independent and does not build on the previous webinars in the series, so learners can purchase only those that meet their needs.

Audience

  • Medical microbiologists, pharmacists and healthcare providers. 
  • ​Series educational level: Beginner. 

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

Each presentation is approved for 1.0 P.A.C.E.® credit. ASM is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. All presentations are recognized by the California Department of Health and Florida Department of Health and qualify for California and Florida CE credit toward license renewal. CE credits can only be claimed by the purchaser (individual sales only).
 

Supported in part through educational grants from:

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. logo
Source: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Source: Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

DiaSorin Logo
Source: DiaSorin Molecular

Luminex logo
Source: Luminex, A DiaSorin Company

Quest Diagnostics logo
Source: Quest Diagnostics

 

Registration Details

For Individuals

3-Webinar Bundle
ASM members: $97
ASM supporting members and non-members: $130 

Purchase price includes unlimited access to the webinars through Sept. 21, 2023 and continuing education (CE) credit for the purchaser.
Individual Webinars
ASM members: $35 each
ASM supporting and non-members: $47 each

Purchase price includes unlimited access to the webinars through Sept. 21, 2023 and continuing education (CE) credit for the purchaser.

 

Join ASM to receive the best discounts on webinar registrations and more!

For Institutions

An institutional subscription is available for this course for $259 per webinar. Purchase of institutional subscriptions will allow access and CE credit for up to 10 users. Please email ASM staff at  clinmicro@asmusa.org to purchase an institutional subscription.

Register