Optimization of the Extended Respiratory Panel Utilization via an Electronic Health Record Best Practice Alert

Multiplex extended respiratory panels capable of detecting and differentiating viral and bacterial causes of respiratory tract infections have advanced substantially, however, their clinical utility remains inconclusive (1). Due to ongoing cost and reimbursement challenges (2), guidance for their use has generally been limited to immunocompromised or hospitalized patients, or when results are expected to directly influence management decisions (3). Institutional stewardship strategies have included clinician guidance, ordering restrictions, clinical decision support, and education (4).