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Category: Clinical Microbiology
Current Challenges to Financial Stability within the Diagnostic Laboratory, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555817282/9781555817275_Chap04-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555817282/9781555817275_Chap04-2.gifAbstract:
The economics of healthcare today challenge clinical laboratories nationwide to provide quality service and patient results in spite of decreasing resources. Decreasing reimbursement for patient testing and dwindling staff resources require the laboratorian to “do more with less.” One must be aware of one’s professional environment and be creative to utilize the existing resources effectively and efficiently. In many cases, this will require a laboratory environment of constant and major change. This chapter addresses some of these issues and their financial implications. Automation, computerization, point-of- care testing (POCT), and robotics will allow a more integrated, systemwide approach to providing high-quality laboratory services in support of patient care. Laboratory networks and multi-hospital systems may achieve economies of scale. There has been a steady increase in regulatory control of the healthcare industry by both federal and state governments. This increase in regulation extends to all clinical laboratories supporting both inpatients and outpatients. Government compliance regulations as well as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) rules have resulted in unplanned expenses for clinical laboratories and hospitals to modify existing computer systems and even add personnel to help meet the regulations.
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Number of National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences–accredited CLS programs by year. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f1
Number of National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences–accredited CLS programs by year. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f1
Relationship of satellite laboratories to the main laboratory. Turnaround time–sensitive tests are performed near the patient and providers. High-volume, more complex, and less time-sensitive tests are performed in the main (central) laboratory. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f2
Relationship of satellite laboratories to the main laboratory. Turnaround time–sensitive tests are performed near the patient and providers. High-volume, more complex, and less time-sensitive tests are performed in the main (central) laboratory. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f2
Deployment of POCT. It maybe possible to achieve rapid turnaround of key laboratory test results by using POCT technology under the supervision of the main (or central) laboratory in lieu of satellite laboratories. Consolidation of key testing into a “core” laboratory may facilitate rapid turnaround time for most analytes, with only a few critical areas needing POCT capability. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f3
Deployment of POCT. It maybe possible to achieve rapid turnaround of key laboratory test results by using POCT technology under the supervision of the main (or central) laboratory in lieu of satellite laboratories. Consolidation of key testing into a “core” laboratory may facilitate rapid turnaround time for most analytes, with only a few critical areas needing POCT capability. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f3
Organization of an integrated laboratory services delivery network. Several healthcare service delivery sites developed an integrated network to deliver laboratory services. The bulk of high-volume testing is consolidated at one site, the core laboratory. Other sites may offer rapid response testing or just phlebotomy services. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f4
Organization of an integrated laboratory services delivery network. Several healthcare service delivery sites developed an integrated network to deliver laboratory services. The bulk of high-volume testing is consolidated at one site, the core laboratory. Other sites may offer rapid response testing or just phlebotomy services. doi:10.1128/9781555817282.ch4.f4
Annual certification of medical technologists by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
Annual certification of medical technologists by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
Comparison between accredited training programs and on-the-job training programs
Comparison between accredited training programs and on-the-job training programs
Recruitment strategies
Recruitment strategies
Potential negative outcomes from staffing shortages
Potential negative outcomes from staffing shortages
Recruitment and retention indicators
Recruitment and retention indicators
POCT procedures
POCT procedures
Tests approved by the FDA for home testing
Tests approved by the FDA for home testing