Maestro Tips

Owned by Clare Il'Giovine
Last updated: Jun 23, 2022
1 min read

GRAM STAIN ORDERABLE CHANGE

Gram stain is often ordered incorrectly and accounts for a HUGE number of cancelled tests in the Microbiology Lab. Being mostly a redundant order given that cultures already include it, it has been discontinued. For vaginal specimens for Bacterial Vaginosis, please order instead: Bacterial vaginosis Gram stain - LAB3230

The test itself and result interpretation remains the same.

PRESCRIBING SMARTER

Thanks to Caroline Sloan and Larry Greenblatt for these pro tips!

  • New Estimate tool in Maestro can show you what patient out-of-pocket costs may be when ordering meds (see blue box at top of Sign Orders inset):
  • Remember the NC Medicaid drug list changes; and will likely change again in 2022. Google “NC Medicaid PDL” for latest.
  • Medicaid patients can get 90 day fills for same copay as 30 day ($3 brand or generic)!  Save money, time, gas, COVID exposures and go for 90! 
  • Medicaid will pay for delivery.  Mainly independents (e.g., Gurley's, Josef's) will do this; they can also do pre-packaged med boxes/pill packs. See Holly Canupp, Catherine Snyder if you need help switching patients over.
  • Medicaid is still also paying for automatic BP cuffs, scales, and pulse oximeters.  Ask your attending for details.