What are the cost implications of standardized office blood pressure measurement?
Standardized office blood pressure does not necessarily require additional equipment beyond the existing blood pressure measurement devices. However, standardized office blood pressure takes longer to perform than routine office blood pressure, given the need to follow proper preparatory procedures. This approach also requires staff training and retraining to ensure that a standardized BP measurement approach is followed. Adequate access to a quiet clinic space that allows for an adequate rest period prior to BP measurement may also be an issue in certain settings. However, in the opinion of the Work Group, this recommendation is likely to be cost-effective as it may avert consequences of overtreatment and undertreatment, though an economic analysis has not been published.