The effect of interinstitution anatomic pathology consultation on patient care.

Abstract

Routine interinstitution anatomic pathology consultation resulted in a change in patient evaluation or treatment in 45 (5.8%) of the 777 cases reviewed. Our interinstitution anatomic pathology consultation policy appears to provide useful diagnostic information, which should contribute to improved patient care. However, when a discrepancy is identified, additional consultation or evaluation should be considered.