OBJECTIVE: To analyse the cost effectiveness of the application of diagnostic algorithms in @entity1 with a first episode of suspected @entity1150 ( @entity1150 ) in Primary Care compared with systematic referral to specialised centres. DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional, analytical study. LOCATION: @entity1 from @entity341 referred from Primary Care to complete clinical evaluation and diagnosis. @entity1 : A total of 138 @entity1 with symptoms of a first episode of @entity1150 were recruited; 22 were excluded (no Primary Care report, symptoms for more than 30 days, anticoagulant treatment, and previous @entity1150 ). Of the 116 @entity1 finally included, 61% @entity1 and the mean age was 71 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Variables from the Wells and Oudega clinical probability scales, D-dimer (portable and hospital), Doppler ultrasound, and direct costs generated by the three algorithms analysed: all @entity1 were referred systematically, referral according to Wells and Oudega scale. RESULTS: @entity1150 was confirmed in 18.9%. The two clinical probability scales showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 85.1 to 100) and a specificity of about 40%. With the application of the scales, one third of all referrals to @entity341 could have been avoided (P<.001). The diagnostic cost could have been reduced by     8,620 according to Oudega and     9,741 according to Wells, per 100 @entity1 visited. CONCLUSION: The application of diagnostic algorithms when a @entity1150 is suspected could lead to better diagnostic management by physicians, and a more cost effective process.

[Cost-effectiveness of the XXXX diagnosis process in primary care].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Patients', 'patients', 'PARTICIPANTS'] @entity1150 :: ('MESH:D020246', 'Disease') :: ['deep vein thrombosis', 'DVT'] @entity341 :: ('MESH:D004630', 'Disease') :: ['hospital emergency rooms']
@entity1150 :: (MESH:D020246,Disease) :: ['deep vein thrombosis']
