Optimization of the Order Menu in the Electronic Health Record Facilitates Test Patterns Consistent With Recommendations in the Choosing Wisely Initiative.

Abstract

Thyroid and rheumatologic autoimmune testing are areas where evidence-based guidance from specialty organizations and Choosing Wisely support utilizing screening tests for autoimmune and thyroid disorders prior to more specialized testing. Adjustment of the orderable options in the electronic health record (EHR) can influence ordering patterns without requiring manual review or additional effort by the clinician. The menu was adjusted to reflect recommendations from Choosing Wisely to favor screening tests that automatically reflex to specialized testing on primary care providers' preference lists. Effectiveness was evaluated by reviewing total orders for individual tests. Shifts in ordering from individual screening tests (antinuclear antibody and thyrotropin) to ones that reflexed to specialized testing were observed in parallel with significant reductions in the corresponding specialized testing. Optimization of the EHR laboratory ordering menu can be used to shift ordering patterns toward Choosing Wisely recommendations.