[AVBC 2025] Reducing the Number of Excessive Panel Tests Performed in Yishun Polyclinic
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National Healthcare Group
5 December 2025
To reduce the number of excessive laboratory panel tests done in Yishun Polyclinic to 0. Collaboration is important to ensure consistent standards of care for healthcare diagnostics and cost-effective care.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 05 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Productivity, Cost Saving, Workflow Redesign
About this Content
Aims
To reduce the number of excessive laboratory panel tests done in Yishun Polyclinic to 0.
Background
Panel tests for hypertension (HPT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comprise various blood and urine tests. The MOH Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) recommends appropriate frequency for different tests. Excessive ordering of HPT/DM panels incurs higher costs to the patient and organization
Methods
The primary outcome measured was the number of HPT/DM patients with =2 HPT/DM panel tests done within 9 months from the reporting month. Root causes for excessive ordering were analyzed, and interventions were planned, including focusing efforts on newer doctors and IT-related enhancements.
Results
There was an improvement in both the primary outcome and process measure, with no significant drop in nephropathy screening rate (balance measure).
Conclusion
Collaboration is important to ensure consistent standards of care for healthcare diagnostics and cost-effective care.
Lessons Learnt
Challenges included low awareness of price caps, poor communication, lack of system 'hard stops', and overly convenient ordering processes. Future interventions should focus on newer doctors and IT enhancements.
Additional Information
Special acknowledgment to NHGP Value-Based Care and Financial Sustainability Strat Group, Dr. Lim Ziliang, Mr. Maverick Ng, and Ms. Liew Lihuey for their contributions.
Keywords
Panel tests, Hypertension, Diabetes, Cost saving, Healthcare utilization
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Yishun Polyclinic, National Healthcare Group |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Endocrinology, Nephrology |
Project Lead(s) | Liang Fueng Chee Edwin |
Project Member(s) | Seow Yi Heng |
Connect with this contributor!
Liang Fueng Chee Edwin - edwin_fc_liang@nhgp.com.sg
Project Attachment
917_NHGP_AVBC_2025_Reducing_the_Number_of_Excessive_Panel_Tests_Performed_in_Yishun_Polyclinic.pdf