Diagnostic laboratories are increasingly challenged to improve diagnostic accuracy, expand test items to meet provider needs, and decrease turnaround times. In addition to these challenges, payee providers continue to lower reimbursement, putting tremendous pressure on laboratory management to improve productivity.
Healthcare leadership recognizes that most clinical decisions are based on diagnostic laboratory results. Thus, the medical laboratory remains an important contributor to any healthcare organization.
Current trends affecting diagnostic laboratories are increased test volume, a shortage of qualified staff, and decreasing reimbursements. Clinical testing involves people and technology that requires well-qualified workers to perform complex tasks in a fast-moving, high-stress setting. Consequently, this scenario suggests that more effort is needed to measure and improve productivity in the diagnostic laboratory.
