Throughput analysis of trauma resuscitations with financial impact.

Objectives: In an era of diminishing reimbursement, efficient resource utilization is paramount. The effects of three parallel factors were tracked: (a) coordinated physician-hospital patient care, (b) increasing physician awareness of resources, and (c) in-house trauma attendings.

Design: Observational study.

The impact of selective laboratory evaluation on utilization of laboratory resources and patient care in a level-I trauma center.

Background: Routine laboratory evaluation of preoperative patients has not been shown to be cost effective when a detailed history and physical examination are performed. However, since such a detailed history is not possible in trauma patients, the time-honored approach has been for laboratory evaluation to be protocol driven. The cost-benefit ratio of this practice has never been evaluated.