5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Diagnostic stewardship programs optimize test ordering, performance, and reporting to enhance patient outcomes and laboratory efficiency.

• 2

  Dr. Dumm emphasized the need for selective testing and interpretive support, particularly for gastrointestinal pathogen panels.

• 3

  Reimbursement challenges for broad molecular panels arise from limited guideline support and strict ordering criteria.

• 4

  Behavioral interventions, such as choice architecture, can guide clinicians toward preferred testing practices while maintaining autonomy.

• 5

  Collaboration across the laboratory ecosystem is essential for aligning clinical priorities with cost considerations and institutional metrics.