ROUTINE PREOPERATIVE STUDIES - WHICH STUDIES IN WHICH PATIENTS

The cost of ''routine'' preoperative screening examinations is conside rable, estimated to be more than $30 billion per year in the United St ates. Approximately 60% of preoperative screening tests are not necess ary for the patient's perioperative management. Selective ordering of tests appropriate for a patient's age and associated illnesses would s ave billions of dollars, reduce the further evaluation of borderline o r false-positive screening results, and prevent iatrogenic injury rela ted to these tests. A comprehensive summary of appropriate preoperativ e screening is provided.