Author: John Goswell
Company: J C Goswell P/L

Adding Value to POCT
Felicity Goswell
Darwin
2008
Point of Care Testing

•	Is convenient for patients
•	Is convenient for doctors
•	Can pay for itself or generate a small profit
•	AND
•	Can be used to great advantage

POCT
•	In 2005 we purchased a Cholesteck LDX
•	It tests 
–	Total cholesterol
–	Trigylcerides
–	HDL
–	LDL
–	Ratio
–	Blood sugar
–	AST, ALT (separate strip)

POCT
It  
•	is simple to use
•	is based on a finger prick sample
•	can generate an item number if doctor sees the patient for the results
•	takes two minutes

How to Add Value?

•	Whilst the test is running
•	Add a Risk Assessment

In two minutes one can check
•	Weight
•	Height
•	Waist circumference
AND
•	Fill out a risk assessment form

The Result
The patient gets 
•	An assessment for lipids and sugar
•	A risk assessment for cardiovascular disease
•	A consultation with the doctor about the results

The Result
•	The practice gets
•	More patients screened
•	More patients followed up
•	Remuneration
•	Good value for the doctor’s time