DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL CARE AND COMMERCIAL LABORATORIES

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of modern medical care. Following adequate review of the patient's history and complete physical examination supplemental clinical laboratory and x-ray examinations may be necessary in many cases. The physician determines, following these additional diagnostic studies, whether or not still further tests, such as functional and neuropsychiatric tests, bronchoscopy and gastroscopy, are required in a much smaller number of cases. Diagnostic medical examinations which involve pathologic and radiologic investigations and clinical laboratory studies may be done in doctors' offices and in hospitals. Fundamental to any examination is the availability of trained personnel that it may be conducted properly and interpreted adequately. In the larger centers, radiologists and pathologists (qualified physicians) usually conduct these examinations. In smaller communities, circumstances often require that they be performed by general practitioners who have had some supplemental training in radiology or pathology.

The profound importance of competent pathologic examination is evidenced