Cost effectiveness

• spend time on the history and don't interrupt too soon: 'Listen to the patient, he's telling you the diagnosis'
• let time pass before the extensive workup of a new symptom, taking into account the time before presentation
• stay well-informed about the health outcomes of unpleasant or expensive procedures
• avoid tests that are unlikely to alter your decisions
• give enough time to patient education about the condition especially those that often lead to inappropriate and costly 'doctor-shopping' by the patient
• prescribe only necessary medication, be aware of relative costs and check that the patient actually wants it
• use community and primary health care teams to prevent hospital admissions or reduce inpatient stays
• avoid heroic procedures during terminal care

ref:Principles of Ambulatory Med 4e ed L Randol Barker et al