Payers are turning to automated systems for pre-approval of genetic tests as a way to contain costs and ensure proper utilization in the face of a dizzying number of news tests. UnitedHealthcare … [Read more...]
UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT
Attitude Toward Inpatient Testing Frequency Varies By Provider Type
October 20, 2017
While clinicians and several professional recognize that routine laboratory testing is overused in the inpatient setting, attitudes towards testing necessity differ by health care provider type, … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Eliminating Creatine Kinase–Myocardial Band Testing Saves Money, Improves Quality
October 20, 2017
Creatine kinase–myocardial band (CK-MB) testing provides no incremental value to patient care, and if hospitals and emergency rooms would eliminate its use for evaluating suspected acute coronary … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Future of Traditional Rapid Flu Tests in Doubt as New Review Highlights Improved Performance of New Testing Technologies
October 20, 2017
With the start of the 2017-2018 flu season approaching, and the upcoming deadline for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) new minimum performance requirements, there is renewed interest in … [Read more...]
LAB OPERATIONS
Don’t Crash & Burn: Why Cutting Your Quality Department’s Budget is not a Good Idea
October 18, 2017
By Jennifer Dawson, MHA, LSSBB, CPHQ, DLM(ASCP)QIHC, QLC, SLS bio Do you think that you can improve your organization's bottom line by reducing the budget to your quality program and … [Read more...]
LAB SAFETY
Fanning the Flames
October 16, 2017
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio Story #1: The fire started in the university chemistry laboratory when a research student used a flammable chemical too close to the open … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Chlamydia Testing Falls in Young Women, Following Change in Cervical Cancer Guidelines; Simultaneous Overtesting of Males Seen
October 10, 2017
Recent cervical cancer screening guideline changes are associated with reduced chlamydia testing, particularly among women aged 15 to 19 years, who are at high risk for chlamydia infection, if … [Read more...]
INNOVATION
2017 Looking Good for Health Care Investment;
Diagnostic Industry Poised for Large, Future Exits
October 2, 2017
So far, 2017 is proving to be a good year for fundraising and investment in the broad health care industry, according to report by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). There have been some big bets placed in … [Read more...]
PAMA
Draft 2018 CLFS Reveals Fundamental Flaws in PAMA Reporting Exercise; Time to Take Action
October 2, 2017
By Lâle White bio As XIFIN predicted, the PAMA reporting exercise has resulted in significant proposed laboratory fee cuts. In fact, the multi-year decrease for the top 20 laboratory tests … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Annual TB Testing of Health Care Workers Not Cost Effective
September 26, 2017
Routine annual tuberculosis (TB) screening of health care workers is no longer cost effective, according to a study published May 17 in BMC Medicine. The incidence of TB is at an all-time low in the … [Read more...]
