Volume XXIII
March 2022

Full Focus: Preparing Your Clinical Lab or Pathology Group for Post-COVID Success

As COVID cases and related hospitalizations continue to decline in most areas of the country, labs and pathology groups should now be transitioning to succeed in a post-COVID environment. While that means preparing for the end of various testing and reimbursement waivers in the short term, providers should also be considering the permanent changes COVID has introduced to the clinical lab business.

During this March 23 webinar, we will welcome Robert Michel, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Dark Report, to discuss the following topics alongside our expert panel:

  • Moves labs that made a significant portion of their revenue from COVID should be thinking about now.
  • How COVID testing may be impacted by the end of the Public Health Emergency and expiration of various testing/reimbursement waivers.
  • What type of laboratory testing will see the most growth going forward? 
  • How is the relationship between labs, payors, and providers evolving?
LATEST NEWS
1. What Should You Look for When Choosing Lab Space?

Choosing a medical laboratory space can be an overwhelming process, especially if you don't know where to start. What kind of space do you need? What about flooring, windows, and HVAC systems?

In this video, Megan Younts, Chief Consulting Officer at Lighthouse Lab Services, answers these questions and more as she covers the basics of what you should look for when choosing a lab space.

2. Attending Executive War College? Here's a Discount on Us!

This year's Executive War College, the premier event for clinical laboratory and pathology leaders and executives, is scheduled to take place April 27-28 in New Orleans. Those interested in attending may register using the discount code LIGHT150 to receive $150 off their registration price. The discount is available through March 31, 2022.

The Lighthouse Lab Services team will have several speakers presenting throughout the event, so we'd love to be able to connect with you there. Please reach out to us directly if you'd like to schedule time to meet with our team at EWC!

3. Important Things to Know About CLIA and COLA Applications

When you’re starting a laboratory business, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything by the book. That means understanding and following all the regulations set by governing bodies. CLIA and COLA applications are two of the most important processes you’ll need to go through to ensure your business is compliant.

The following article breaks down some of the most important things to know when preparing your CLIA and COLA applications.

Deep Dive: How Medicare Policy Affects Molecular Testing Reimbursement
As the clinical laboratory advances, we are seeing molecular testing become more available with a wide array of different tests available to physicians and patients. Molecular testing is becoming the gold standard when it comes to laboratory testing; however, payors still often see the testing as investigational or not medically necessary.
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When analyzing a molecular test, it is important to understand Medicare reimbursement, medical policy, and payor mix to determine the return on investment (ROI) for the given test.

-- Cassie Penn, Client Manager, Lighthouse Lab Services
The following article examines:

  • How reimbursement policies for molecular testing can vary across MACs.
  • How Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) impact commercial payer policies.
  • Best practices when billing for these services.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES WE'RE ATTENDING
1. Q1 Diagnostic Coverage & Reimbursement Conference

March 22-23, 2022, in San Diego, Calif.

2. Texas Society of Pathologists Annual Meeting

April 1-3, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
This email is brought to you as a service from Lighthouse Lab Services to provide quality and timely information that can improve your laboratory operations. We strive to maintain our position as the country’s premiere lab consulting firm and support your success.
The Lab Insighter is a monthly publication for Lab Owners and Decision Makers.