Watch Out for Outreach

Abstract

Pulmonary function testing outreach services permit hospitals or physician offices without local expert technicians or pulmonary specialist physicians to use the services of such experts at another location via electronic transmission of data and via computerization. A potential subscriber to an outreach service should investigate the cost and timeliness of service provision and should estimate testing volume and cost effectiveness. A potential provider of outreach services should investigate the potential market volume, the reimbursement rates, the choice of instrumentation, and the expected income/expense picture. Several systems are available; the experience of other providers can be a realistic guide in the decision to set up such a service.