Abstract 15309: Resource Reduction by Use of Pediatric Chest Pain Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan

Abstract

Using a Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) for pediatric patients presenting to clinic with chest pain, we evaluated the cost impact associated with implementation of the care algorithm. Previously, we analyzed charges for 406 patients (7-21 yrs) with chest pain seen in 2009, prior to introduction of the SCAMP, and predicted 21% reduction of overall charges had the SCAMP methodology been used. The SCAMP recommended an echocardiogram for history, exam, or ECG findings suggestive of a cardiac etiology for chest pain. Resource utilization for 1520 patients evaluated by the SCAMP from 12/11-4/14 was reviewed in this study. Compared to the 2009 cohort, patients evaluated in the SCAMP presented with similar rates of exertional chest pain (33%, SCAMP vs. 37%, 2009) and significant past medical history (1% vs. 1%). The SCAMP cohort had fewer abnormal physical exam findings (1% vs. 4%) and ECG abnormalities (3% vs. 6%), and more pertinent family history (4% vs. 1%). Echocardiograms were additionally recommended by the SCAMP for exertional syncope (1%), pain worse by supine position, or radiation to the back, jaw, or left arm (5%). Ancillary testing for concurrent symptoms was reduced compared to the 2009 cohort (Figure 1) and compared to predicted: Holter (4% vs. 6%), event monitors (3% vs. 8%), MRI (<1% vs. 1%). Stress testing was not recommended though 4% underwent evaluation. Adherence to SCAMP guidelines for recommended testing approached 80%; slightly fewer echocardiograms were actually performed than recommended. Total testing charges were reduced by an estimated 30% ($740,000) despite a small increase in echocardiogram utilization, and overall charges were reduced by 17% by use of the Chest Pain SCAMP. Given the low incidence of cardiac disease historically as well as detected by the SCAMP algorithm (<1%), further modifications to the algorithm should refine indications for echocardiography, particularly related to exertional symptoms.