NR603
Week 3 iHuman Reflection
Dr. Moynihan
July 28, 2024
Which diagnostic tests did you select for this client? Using the estimated national average cost
for each diagnostic test from a website such as MD save Links to an external site. calculate the
total cost for diagnostic testing for this client if he was uninsured. How might this information
change your decision to order diagnostic tests for the client?*
CXR: $85
CBC: $22
PFT: $$573
12 lead ECG:$98
ABG:$276
BNP:$92
D-dimer:$34
Ct chest:$361
Echocardiogram:$1,135
Alpha 1 antitrypsin:$41
Troponin I:$25
Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan:$935
Cardiac stress test:$556
Total cost would be around $4,233.00. This is a large amount of money, particularly for someone
who is retired and may live on a fixed income. It would be difficult to cut down on some of the
exams, they help narrow down the diagnosis. I may have to ask my patient what their budget is
and then make a decision as to what is most vital to order. Also, I would see if there are any
resources available for him like blood work at a community center. I may consider removing the
12-lead, maybe the perfusion scan, CT scan, and stress test. The criteria for diagnosing COPD is
debatable according to Petrie et al., 2021, but universally as providers we should be focusing on
patient symptoms and spirometry diagnostics like post-bronchodilator spirometry tests.
