Background: Our institution’s rate of hospital acquired Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection (CDI) is higher than expected based on documented severity of illness of our patients. The C. diff testing algorithm at our institution utilizes a multi-step approach. It begins with two tests (antigen EIA and toxin A/B EIA). If the results of these two [...]

Background: In light of increasing healthcare costs, diagnostic stewardship is an important component of providing high-value healthcare. Order sets, a collection of orders aggregated in a single location for a given diagnosis, condition, or treatment, are designed to promote adherence to evidence-based practices and reduce variability in care—both known drivers of high-value care (Atlas SJ [...]

Background: Carotid artery Doppler ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool for patients with neurological symptoms suggestive of cerebrovascular disease, such as transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or focal neurological deficits. However, its diagnostic utility is limited in patients presenting with non-specific symptoms such as syncope, dizziness, or headache. Unnecessary Doppler orders in these cases can [...]