#109: Things We Do For No Reason: A High Value Episode

Aug 20, 2018, 07:00 AM

Things We Do For No Reason #TWDFNR highlights some widespread practices that are difficult to justify based on lack of proven health benefits, but significant cost (both financial and non-financial harms). Avoid these low value practices and inflated medical bills with tips from expert, Dr Lenny Feldman, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine Johns Hopkins. Topics include: renal ultrasound and urine electrolytes in acute kidney injury (AKI), folate deficiency and anemia work-up, prealbumin and malnutrition, blood transfusions, shellfish and contrast allergies, monitoring after switch from IV or oral antibiotics, and “against medical advice” discharges.

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Credits:

  • Written and produced by: Justin Berk MD, MPH, MBA
  • Editor: Matthew Watto, MD
  • Hosts: Justin Berk MD, MPH, MBA; Matthew Watto MD; Paul Williams MD, FACP
  • Guest: Lenny Feldman MD, FACP

Time Stamps
  • 00:00 Announcements
  • 00:38 Disclaimer, intro, and guest bio
  • 03:53 Guest one liner, some recommendations, and advice
  • 08:35 Defining high value care and things we do for no reason (TWDFNR)
  • 12:40 Why do clinicians order useless testing?
  • 14:58 Urine electrolytes for acute kidney injury
  • 20:30 Renal ultrasound for acute kidney injury
  • 25:54 Stop ordering folate for anemia workup
  • 31:47 How many units should I transfuse?
  • 34:40 Prealbumin and albumin for malnourishment.
  • 43:24 Iodine, shellfish and contrast allergy
  • 50:28 Patient leaving against medical advice
  • 56:45 Switching from IV to oral antibiotics
  • 63:27 Dr Feldman’s plugs
  • 65:36 Outro