Healthcare is transitioning from a fee-for-service model to one focused on value-based care, in which emphasis will be placed on ordering tests and procedures that can be linked to reduced hospital stays and improved patient outcomes. As a key component of patient care and the value-based equation, clinical laboratories will need to be active participants in the development of diagnostic stewardship programs, so that healthcare providers are guided towards the “ right test, for the right patient, at the right time .”

Although a number of healthcare institutions have been successful in forming diagnostic stewardship programs, many hospitals and clinical laboratories continue to struggle with:

1. understanding the concept of diagnostic stewardship (i.e., what does it mean?), 
2. establishing a functional and effective stewardship program, and 
3. using data to implement changes that will positively contribute to value-based care.

Clinical microbiology laboratories are a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of patients with infectious diseases, and testing performed in these laboratories is often complex and can be expensive. Therefore, it is essential for Clinical Microbiology laboratories to have a firm understanding of the concept of diagnostic stewardship, and how they can contribute to reducing overall healthcare costs and improving patient care. This will involve medical microbiologists and industry collaborating to develop tests that impact patient management. In addition, these groups will need to work closely with healthcare providers to create test utilization algorithms, which will guide physicians to the appropriate tests and assist with result interpretation.

This 3-part series will provide foundational education on the role of a diagnostic stewardship program and how it can be used to contribute to value-based care. After participating in this educational series, participants will be able to:

1. define diagnostic stewardship,
2. describe how to establish an effective diagnostic stewardship program, and 
3. explain case scenarios where laboratory data and testing algorithms have been used to reduce costs and/or improve patient outcomes. 

Each webinar's content is independent and does not build on the previous webinars in the series, so learners can purchase only those that meet their needs.

Audience

• medical microbiologists.
• pharmacists.
• healthcare providers.

This is a beginner-level series.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit
Each presentation is approved for 1.0 P.A.C.E. ® credit. ASM is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. All presentations are recognized by the California Department of Health and Florida Department of Health and qualify for California and Florida CE credit toward license renewal. CE credits can only be claimed by the purchaser (individual sales only).

Cost
For individuals- The series is composed of 3 topics and they can be purchased singularly or as a bundle.

	ASM Members	ASM Supporting Members & Non-Members
Single Webinar	$35	$47
Bundle (All 3 Webinars)	$97	$130

The purchase price includes unlimited access to the webinars through Nov. 16, 2023 and continuing education credit for the purchaser.

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For institutions-
An institutional subscription is available for this course for $259 per webinar. Purchase of institutional subscriptions will allow access and CE credit for up to 10 users. Please email ASM staff at  clinmicro@asmusa.org to purchase an institutional subscription.

Format
There are 3 webinars in this series. The webinars' content does not build on the previous webinars in the series. All of the content is independent so learners can purchase only those that meet their needs.

Each webinar will be presented live and the recording of that presentation will be available within 3 business days.

Please email ASM if you require closed captioning.