MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Dark Daily' source. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:32:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382538&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Feffort-to-map-human-microbiome-will-generate-useful-new-clinical-lab-tests-for-pathologists-319%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Human Microbiome Project is expected to trigger many new molecular diagnostic assays Meet the human microbiome, considered by some medical researchers to be the newest biomedical frontier. A major effort to map the human microbiome is expected to identify a significant number of new biomarkers that will be useful in both clinical pathology diagnostic tests and [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382538 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:49:34 +0100 3382538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3365995&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fdo-it-yourself-dermatopathology-will-use-consumers-cell-phone-images-315%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Company intends to use pattern recognition software to evaluate risk of skin cancer A “do it yourself” dermatopathology service for consumers is coming soon, according to Health Discovery Corporation (HDC) of Savannah, Georgia. The company is preparing to introduce a cell phone-based tool to help consumers recognize whether a mole or other skin lesion needs examination [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3365995 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:07 +0100 3365995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358718&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Faustralian-health-insurer-nib-and-navigenics-team-up-to-offer-cut-rate-genetic-testing-to-nib-customers-310%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Australian patients are using an American clinical pathology laboratory for their genetic testing needs It’s a half-price sale of genetic clinical laboratory tests for 5,000 customers of Australian health insurer NIB. NIB wants to encourage its beneficiaries to screen themselves to identify their genetic tendencies for such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358718 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:10 +0100 3358718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350112&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Funitedhealthcare-to-grade-oncologists-on-compliance-with-care-guidelines-309%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Appropriate use of clinical pathology laboratory tests to detect and treat cancer will be a scorecard factor One primary goal of pay-for-performance programs is to reduce or eliminate the variability of care that physicians provide to their patients. Getting physicians to follow the recommended care protocols 100% of the time with 100% of their patients would [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350112 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:29 +0100 3350112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342393&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fquintiles-expands-its-china-laboratory-services-to-include-anatomic-pathology-tests-0308%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed CRO Company Adds Anatomic Pathology Testing Services to Serve China’s Pharma and Biotech Industries Quintiles announced that its Beijing medical laboratory will offer an enhanced menu of anatomic pathology testing services to the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry. With this action, global CRO (clinical research organization) giant Quintiles is responding to the increasing sophistication of the pharmaceutical industry [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342393 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:46 +0100 3342393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3334980&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fparents-outraged-at-warehousing-of-dna-saved-from-newborn-baby-screening-programs-and-used-for-clinical-laboratory-testing%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed After Laboratory Tests are Conducted, Newborn Screening Cards are Saved for Research For decades, pathologists and clinical laboratory scientists have been part of a seemingly innocuous public health practice begun in the 1960s: newborn blood testing. Now, because of recent advances in genetic tests and molecular diagnostics, growing numbers of parents are concerned about how [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3334980 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:39:28 +0100 3334980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326780&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fthermo-fisher-trumped-by-merck-kgaas-7-2-billion-bid-to-acquire-millipore%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Clinical Pathology Laboratory Customers of Millipore Not Likely to See Many Changes It only took a few days for Millipore Corporation (NYSE: MIL) to find a buyer willing to outbid Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO). Millipore agreed to be acquired by Merck KGaA (FWB: MRK) of Darmstadt, Germany. Merck will pay about $7.2 billion for [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326780 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:40:23 +0100 3326780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322104&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fadoption-of-emrs-creates-demand-for-new-healthcare-job-of-scribes%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Clinical pathology laboratories may soon handle lab test orders entered by scribes on behalf of physicians Along with the growing adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems comes robust demand for a new healthcare job: scribes! That is a bit ironic, since many advocates of EMRs believed that physicians would do the primary entry. In fact, [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322104 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:54:05 +0100 3322104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326781&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fthermo-fisher-offers-6-billion-to-acquire-millipore-225%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Both companies are important suppliers to clinical laboratories and research labs In recent days, news surfaced that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) was offering $6 billion to acquire Millipore Corporation (NYSE:MIL). Neither company has confirmed the offer, but yesterday Millipore issued a statement that its Directors were “evaluating strategic options.” Should Thermo Fisher acquire Millipore, or [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326781 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:00:33 +0100 3326781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302168&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnewfoundland-premier-danny-williams-heart-surgery-in-the-u-s-triggers-debate-on-healthcare-in-canada-224%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed In recent years, Newfoundland pathology lab’s errors involving breast cancer testing made headlines Once again, Newfoundland finds itself in the headlines about healthcare. This time it is not about breast cancer testing problems in its pathology laboratories. Instead, media reports are trumpeting the disclosure that Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams had quietly left the country earlier this [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302168 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:00:45 +0100 3302168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302169&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fslone-partners-and-the-dark-report-team-up-to-conduct-national-survey-of-clinical-lab-executive-compensation-223%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Gives human resource departments useful information about salary trends for lab managers In recent years, the clinical pathology laboratory profession has lacked a reliable national survey of compensation trends for clinical laboratory executives, administrators, directors, pathologists, and managers. That situation may soon change, as two lab organizations are actively collecting the compensation data required to [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302169 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:19:03 +0100 3302169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298099&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fillumina-intends-to-migrate-array-technology-to-clinical-laboratories-222%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Firm will submit cytogenetic testing system to FDA using pre-IDE process High-throughput microarray technology used in cytogenetics research may soon have an FDA-cleared product for use by clinical pathology laboratories. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization can perform the equivalent of hundreds or even thousands of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)  experiments in one array. This technology has become [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298099 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:46 +0100 3298099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290721&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathologists-pay-heed-new-spectroscopy-technique-may-make-prostate-biopsy-obsolete-219%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Mass General researchers use metabolomic imaging to accurately diagnose tumors Pathology laboratories may soon find it possible to identify prostate cancer without a biopsy. A new technology under development at Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrates the potential to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis. Some studies have demonstrated that nearly a quarter of initial biopsies [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290721 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:14:38 +0100 3290721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283381&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fwhy-vitamin-d-continues-to-be-the-world%25e2%2580%2599s-fastest-growing-clinical-laboratory-test-217%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed February 24 Audio Conference will cover the A-to-Z of Vitamin 25(OH) D Testing Clinical laboratory testing for Vitamin 25(OH) D continues to the fastest-growing test on the medical laboratory menu, in the United States and other developed nations around the globe. Over the past four years, the steady increase in physician and patient demand for Vitamin [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283381 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:47:22 +0100 3283381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266759&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathologists-and-patient-groups-challenge-brca1-brca2-gene-patents-in-court-212%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Court case will directly affect future development of new pathology and molecular tests In New York’s Southern District Court, a trial is underway that tests the legality of patenting genes. In Association for Molecular Pathology, et al v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 09-civ-4515, pathologist groups, patient advocacy groups, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266759 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:00:20 +0100 3266759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258688&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fcompany-brags-about-the-largest-pathology-image-of-breast-cancer-tissue-210%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Image is 142,603 by 105,000 pixels in size (or 41.8GB) and was scanned at a 1μm pixel resolution Is it the largest pathology image ever produced? In an article, the journal BioOptics World reports that a breast tissue image may in fact be the largest digital pathology image ever produced. The image was produced by [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258688 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:45 +0100 3258688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254219&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fsonic-healthcare-to-acquire-medhold-nv-belgium%25e2%2580%2599s-second-largest-clinical-pathology-laboratory-128%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Medhold NV will be acquired for about U.S. $316 million Sonic Healthcare, Ltd., (SHL.AX) of Sydney, Australia, said last Friday that it would acquire 100% of Medhold NV, a clinical pathology laboratory based in Antwerp, Belgium. Sales price is €232 million, which is about U.S. $316 million. Sonic said the acquisition is conditional upon a small [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254219 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:09:36 +0100 3254219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243479&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Faustralias-government-launches-review-of-clinical-laboratory-testing-fees-204%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Sonic Healthcare stock slides on announcement of Medicare Australia funding changes In Australia, funding for pathology services and clinical laboratory testing is now undergoing review by the government health service. Last month, when news broke that the Australian Department of Health and Ageing was initiating a review of pathology funding, there was an immediate response by [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243479 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:07:11 +0100 3243479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227439&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathologists-and-clinical-lab-professionals-urged-to-think-in-21st-century-terms-201%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Sir Muir Gray addresses Frontiers in Laboratory Medicine “Manage knowledge as though it is money” was the advice that Sir Muir Gray offered pathologists and clinical laboratory scientists attending last week’s Frontiers in Laboratory Medicine (FiLM) conference that took place in Birmingham, England. He was explaining how 20th Century Medicine is evolving into 21st Century [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227439 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:10:02 +0100 3227439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216365&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmerger-of-spectrum-laboratory-network-and-carilion-labs-creates-big-clinical-laboratory-company-128%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Carilion Clinic and Novant Health will continue to own equity in the new clinical laboratory company It was big news in the clinical laboratory industry yesterday when Spectrum Laboratory Network of Greensboro, North Carolina announced a merger with Carilion Labs of Roanoke, Virginia. The combined enterprise will have annual revenue of approximately $300 million and immediately [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216365 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:33:58 +0100 3216365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216366&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathology-and-clinical-laboratory-leaders-prepare-for-integration-of-clinical-services-127%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Speakers at FiLM conference emphasize that laboratories must organize to support ongoing integration of clinical care BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: As you read this, several hundred pathology and clinical laboratory leaders are gathered in Birmingham, England, today to learn about the latest trends and most important developments in healthcare and laboratory medicine. They have assembled to participate [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216366 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:01:45 +0100 3216366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3204656&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fclinical-laboratories-in-ireland-will-soon-undergo-nationwide-restructuring-125%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Irish health service plans to downsize and shut some pathology laboratories while building two or three new stand-alone clinical laboratories DUBLIN, IRELAND—Pathology testing and clinical laboratories in Ireland will soon be involved in a major project to overhaul the entire system of laboratory medicine in this country of 4.5 million people. Today, your Dark Daily editor [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3204656 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:55:37 +0100 3204656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197445&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fcongress-expands-role-of-internal-revenue-service-in-big-health-bill-122%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Pathologists and clinical laboratories can expect a new type of federal oversight One consequence following passage of the massive health bill now being considered by Congress is a significant expansion in the role of the Internal Revenue Service for certain healthcare activities. So writes Phil Galewitz and Christopher Weaver of Kaiser Health News about developments [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197445 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:26 +0100 3197445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197446&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmedical-laboratory-technicians-with-foreign-credentials-to-get-fast-track-acceptance-in-canada-120%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Medical laboratory Technologists are one of 12 professions covered by this government program Foreign medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists  (MTs) who are new emigrants to British Columbia and other Canadian provinces will be one of a select group of professions to have their credentials recognized within one year under a new “fast-track” arrangement developed by [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197446 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:00:26 +0100 3197446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3188972&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmedical-laboratory-technicians-with-foreign-credentials-to-get-fast-track-acceptance-in-canada-120%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Medical laboratory technicians are one of 12 professions covered by this government program Foreign medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists  (MTs) who are new emigrants to British Columbia and other Canadian provinces will be one of a select group of professions to have their credentials recognized within one year under a new “fast-track” arrangement developed [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3188972 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:00:26 +0100 3188972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185119&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fclinical-pathology-labs-face-an-increasing-need-to-interface-with-electronic-medical-records-emr-119%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Experts predict a surge in the number of physicians using electronic medical record systems By dangling as much as $20 billion in front of physicians to encourage their adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems during the next few years, Congress has created a new and expensive challenge for the nation’s clinical laboratories. That challenge is [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185119 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:00:11 +0100 3185119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3181969&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fachieving-pathology-2-0-pathology-laboratories-take-steps-to-bring-web-2-0-functions-into-digital-pathology-as-described-in-new-dark-daily-white-paper-114%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Enriched exchange of digital pathology images and clinical knowledge is the goal Digital scanning and digital pathology systems represent a major transformational force in the field of anatomic pathology. Momentum in favor of wider adoption by pathologists and pathology laboratories continues to build, reinforced, in part, by an interesting new development, which one pathologist calls “Pathology [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3181969 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:05 +0100 3181969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171662&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fa-lesson-for-any-clinical-pathology-laboratory-palm-beach-doctor-gets-creative-to-collect-unpaid-claims-from-humana-113%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Dermatologist Steven P. Rosenberg, M.D., chases Humana for $120,000 in claims as old as two years Clinical pathology laboratories often have problems with health insurance plans that delay paying legitimate claims for reimbursement. Now comes news of a unique strategy successfully employed by a Florida dermatologist who was frustrated that one payer was taking as long [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171662 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:18:44 +0100 3171662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159584&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathology-laboratory-in-an-ingestible-pill-not-yet-but-maybe-sooner-than-you-think-0111%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Proteus Biomedical, Inc. prepares to launch a “smart pill” to remotely monitor how medication affects patients. If some experts are correct, it won’t take long to create ingestible devices that are capable of conducting clinical laboratory tests within the body. These devices would transmit the laboratory test results to physicians over the Internet by using [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159584 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:51:34 +0100 3159584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163607&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Famerican-medical-association-ama-partners-gears-up-to-offer-a-web-based-physician-portal-service-includes-clinical-pathology-laboratory-test-orders-results-reporting-108%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Clinical laboratory test ordering and results reporting is needed for AMA’s physician web platform to have wide appeal with physicians In the drive to achieve clinical integration and a universal electronic health record (EHR), a credible new player with deep financial pockets is poised to enter the field. The American Medical Association (AMA) announced that it [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163607 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:31:09 +0100 3163607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156342&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Famerican-medical-association-ama-partners-gears-up-to-offer-a-web-based-physician-portal-service-includes-clinical-pathology-laboratory-test-orders-results-reporting-108%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Clinical laboratory test ordering and results reporting is needed for AMA’s physician web platform to have wide appeal with physicians In the drive to achieve clinical integration and a universal electronic health record (EHR), a credible new player with deep financial pockets is poised to enter the field. The American Medical Association (AMA) announced that it [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156342 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:31:09 +0100 3156342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3145767&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathgroup-accepts-100-million-oncodiagnostic-labs-is-acquired-106%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed PathGroup of Nashville raises $100 million; OncoDiagnostic Laboratory is acquired For the business of anatomic pathology, the new year got off to a fast start with two different deals announced yesterday. The biggest transaction was major capital infusion at PathGroup, Inc., one of the nation’s regional pathology supergroups. The other transaction was the acquisition of a [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3145767 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:02:25 +0100 3145767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3138925&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fclinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians-are-among-top-growth-jobs-for-next-decade-0104%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed U.S. News & World Report identifies medical technologists as among best career opportunities in healthcare Laboratory technologists and laboratory technicians are a top career for 2010, as identified by U.S. News & World Report’s (USNWR) new annual list of the top 50 careers list. Clinical laboratories will be pleased that the lab technologist career is third [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3138925 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:00:01 +0100 3138925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133438&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Faustralia-pathology-lab-giant-goes-toe-to-toe-with-private-insurers-over-higher-fees-for-pathology-tests-1230%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Sonic Healthcare asks for 30% pathology test fee increase from Bupa and MediBank In Australia, reduced funding for pathology testing by government health programs is being blamed as one factor contributing to a contract spat between the nation’s largest clinical laboratory and its major private health insurance companies. Pathologists across the globe will recognize several familiar [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133438 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:39:10 +0100 3133438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124427&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpart-two-quebecs-debate-about-breast-cancer-test-errors-turns-to-questions-about-defining-accuracy-of-pathology-laboratory-testing-1228%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Specialist physicians in Quebec question why the outside review of ER and HER2 breast cancer pathology test results used a 1% standard versus a 10% standard Public debate in Quebec about inaccurate tests for breast cancer by the province’s pathology laboratories has turned attention to an area of pathology testing which is seldom discussed in public [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124427 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:00:36 +0100 3124427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3118705&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpart-one-quebec-reports-findings-on-inaccurate-pathology-laboratory-test-results-breast-cancer-1223%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Results of retesting 2,856 women were made public last week, putting pathology in the media spotlight In Quebec, concerns continue about the accuracy of breast cancer testing performed in the province. Last Wednesday, Quebec’s Health Minister, Yves Bolduc released the results from a project that retested breast cancer tissue from 2,856 women. This review involved cases [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3118705 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:15:14 +0100 3118705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3114928&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fclinical-laboratory-innovators-gathering-for-frontiers-in-laboratory-medicine-january-2010%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed U.K.’s most popular pathology laboratory management event set for January 26-27, 2010 in Birmingham In the United Kingdom and Europe, pathology and clinical laboratory services are transforming at a steady rate. This is particularly true in the England, where the National Health Service (NHS) is actively emphasizing earlier diagnosis and intervention and chronic disease management [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3114928 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:29:27 +0100 3114928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104876&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnew-clinical-laboratory-dna-test-identifies-sepsis-patients-in-just-18-hours-1218%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Researchers say Mobidiag’s microarray-based diagnostic test technology looks promising There’s a new DNA-based microarray platform that could speed identification of blood-borne pathogens. By allowing clinical laboratories to deliver test results in just 18 hours, use of this new microarray could improve early detection and management of sepsis patients. In a study headed by Päivi Tissari, M.D., of [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104876 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:34:38 +0100 3104876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096582&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fwelsh-carson-pays-230-million-acquire-clinical-laboratory-business-of-spectrum-laboratory-network-1216%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Acquisition is a deal between two private equity firms Spectrum Laboratory Network of Greensboro, North Carolina, will be acquired by Welsh, Carson, Anderson, & Stowe. Investment funds managed by Apax Partners are the sellers and the purchase price is $230 million. It is the highest dollar value acquisition of a clinical laboratory during 2009. The acquisition agreement [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096582 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:59:44 +0100 3096582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089066&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fthe-joint-commission-defends-new-patient-identification-requirements-followed-by-medical-laboratories-hospitals-124%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Response to comments from Dennis Ernst of the Center for Phlebotomy Education Recently Dark Daily alerted clinical laboratory readers to a decision by The Joint Commission to change their requirements for patient identification. Included was the opinion of Dennis Ernst,  MT(ASCP), long time Director of the Center for Phlebotomy Education, that The Joint Commission’s decision [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089066 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:04:35 +0100 3089066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082300&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Funderfunding-affects-the-public-face-of-clinical-laboratories-1211%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Noted Humorist Garrison Keillor Encounters the Truth of Inadequate Funding for Clinical Laboratory Testing Services It is widely recognized by pathologists and clinical laboratory managers in the United States and abroad that medical laboratory testing is a “high touch” clinical service. Each day, lots of patients interact with laboratory professionals to provide specimens. Physicians know that [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082300 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:08:35 +0100 3082300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075324&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fgenvault-new-biospecimen-dry-storage-technology-reduces-costs-and-medical-laboratory-carbon-footprint-129%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed There’s a green bonus: GenVault’s new storage systems can reduce a clinical laboratory’s carbon footprint Innovative laboratory technologies continue to disrupt the status quo as new products and services enter the marketplace. Among them is new dry-storage technology from Carlsbad, California-based GenVault Corp. that allows biological specimens to be stored at room temperature. It is a [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075324 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:10:00 +0100 3075324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066851&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnew-best-practices-turbocharge-how-labs-use-lean-and-six-sigma-128%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Top labs are leveraging Lean Six Sigma to Boost Performance and Profits Clinical laboratories and pathology groups using Lean Six Sigma methods are blowing right past the dismal economy and posting strong improvements in operations and financial performance. In fact, at their most innovative, these laboratories are developing new global “best practices” in how they use [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066851 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:16 +0100 3066851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066852&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fcanadian-laboratories-found-deficient-how-they-handle-dangerous-pathogens-127%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Canadian scientist steals specimens, caught by U.S. Customs agent at the border Laboratories are invariably out of the public eye—until there is a problem. In Canada, The Canadian Press reported earlier this year that audits had uncovered serious flaws in the tracking and accountability of dangerous pathogen specimens at federal laboratories. In response, the Public Health [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066852 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:05:55 +0100 3066852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059659&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnew-technology-captures-tumor-cells-from-the-bloodstream-124%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Nano-technology Breakthrough May Prevent Cancers from Metastasizing With the goal of removing tumor cells from the bloodstream, a biomedical engineering team at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock has discovered a non-invasive way to identify cancer and to capture tumor cells in the bloodstream. This landmark discovery, could dramatically improve [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059659 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:01:03 +0100 3059659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052021&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fsonic-healthcare-enters-new-england-with-latest-clinical-laboratory-acquisition-east-side-clinical-laboratory-123%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Agreement to acquire East Side Clinical Laboratory is a reminder that Sonic remains an active buyer of clinical laboratories It’s another clinical lab acquisition and a new regional market for Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX:SHL). Yesterday the Australian-based lab company established a beachhead in New England when it acquired East Side Clinical Laboratory, based in Providence, Rhode [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052021 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:00:06 +0100 3052021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3047931&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fhealth-system-sells-centrex-clinical-laboratories-to-labcorp-122%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Consolidation continues in the lab testing sector that serves physicians’ offices Last week it was disclosed that the health system which owns Centrex Clinical Laboratories, Inc. is selling its laboratory testing business to Laboratory Corporation of America (NYSE: LH ). Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare stated that it expected the transaction would be finalized by the end of [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3047931 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:00:11 +0100 3047931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044440&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fintroducing-salivaomics-as-the-basis-for-cheap-accurate-diagnostic-tests-administered-by-your-dentist-121%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Researchers at UCLA have published the foundation science to use saliva as the specimen for sophisticated diagnostic testing Someday soon, when your dentist asks you to say “Ah”, he will then collect a saliva specimen and use a chairside point-of-care test (POCT) to screen you for any number of conditions and diseases. This is the goal [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044440 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:40:18 +0100 3044440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039576&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmultiple-wrong-site-surgeries-earn-150000-fine-for-rhode-island-teaching-hospital%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Reminder to Cinical Lab Managers and Pathologists that Patient Safety is a High Profile Issue It’s a powerful reminder of how the patient safety movement has elevated awareness of medical errors. Recently, Rhode Island Hospital was fined a whopping $150,000 for performing the wrong operation on the wrong finger of a patient. The fine was assessed [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039576 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:13:17 +0100 3039576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029608&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fauckland-hospital-laboratories-play-defined-role-in-supporting-patient-care-125%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Highly-automated hospital labs are organized to serve inpatient testing and don’t compete for “outreach” lab business from office-based physicians in the community DATELINE: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND—In this nation’s single payer health system, clinical laboratory testing services are allotted to hospital laboratories and commercial laboratories in very specific ways. Consequently, hospital laboratories in New Zealand tend to [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029608 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:56:16 +0100 3029608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3018775&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fsenate-votes-to-advance-its-health-reform-bill-but-fails-to-extend-universal-health-coverage-to-millions-of-americans-1122%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed News Reports Estimate as many as 25 Million Americans Would STILL Lack Coverage With its vote on Saturday, the United States Senate advanced its version of a healthcare reform bill one step further. Now, in both the House and Senate, full floor debate will begin on the different healthcare reform bills that have reached the floor [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3018775 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:50 +0100 3018775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015202&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmeet-the-virtual-dermatopathology-lab-doing-global-business-from-boston-120%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Second opinion dermpath business combines digital pathology, glass slides, and the Internet. Telepathology, Federal Express, and internet technologies are the cornerstones of a flourishing second opinion business by dermatopathologists in Boston, Massachusetts. In just a few years, the practice has built a national and international clientele. This confirms that there is already overseas demand for access [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015202 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:53 +0100 3015202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003612&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathology-testing-prices-as-a-commodity-australia%25e2%2580%2599s-health-system-stands-at-a-crossroads-1118%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Increased Test Volumes in Recent Years Trigger an Important Review of Coverage and Funding for Pathology Testing Services DATELINE: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—Pathology testing is under the gun in Australia. Fast-rising utilization of pathology testing over the past decade has caught the attention of health system policy makers. They are concerned about the funding and clinical service implications [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003612 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:39:32 +0100 3003612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999377&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmap-of-medicine-uses-evidence-based-medicine-to-help-physicians-116%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Provides doctors with fast access to care pathways and diagnostic rules Most pathologists and laboratory professionals in the United States are unaware of a unique clinical resource called the “Map of Medicine”. This was started in the United Kingdom and utilizes evidence-based medicine (EBM) guidelines in the care pathways it makes available to clinicians who visit [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999377 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:29 +0100 2999377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992566&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnations-list-of-top-ten-largest-healthcare-systems-include-some-surprises-113%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Rankings based on annual revenue and the Veterans’ Administration tops the list When Dark Daily recently published a list of the Top Ten Largest Medical Groups in the United States, not only was it a popular topic, but many readers asked us to present a similar list for healthcare systems. Dark Daily is glad to oblige [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992566 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:18 +0100 2992566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984643&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fgunman-enters-clinical-laboratory-in-oregon-yesterday-two-dead-two-injured-111%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Man kills his estranged wife, then himself after shooting his way into the laboratory Yesterday, in Tualatin, a quiet suburb city near Portland, Oregon, a gunman entered a laboratory facility owned by Legacy MetroLab and shot his estranged wife. He then killed himself. Two other individuals in the laboratory were injured, including a man admitted to [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984643 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:05:08 +0100 2984643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977100&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fsuccession-planning-omission-will-dearly-cost-many-clinical-labs-and-pathology-groups-110%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Your lab’s oldest Baby Boomer managers are turning 62 and thinking about retirement! There’s a ticking clock in your lab: the fast-approaching retirement of your best section managers, department heads, senior administrators, and pathologists! Yet there is still time for your lab or pathology group to address important succession planning opportunities. “Every day, about 8,760 Baby Boomers [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977100 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:59 +0100 2977100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2973770&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmountainstar%25e2%2580%2593paml-lab-joint-venture-doubles-size-24-months-116%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Hospital/commercial lab JV finds success in competitive Salt Lake City market DATELINE: SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—Since its formation less than two years ago, MountainStar Clinical Laboratories, LLC, has more than doubled in size. This unique laboratory outreach joint venture is a partnership between MountainStar Healthcare and Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML). To learn more about this fast-growing [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2973770 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:22 +0100 2973770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967010&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fcommercial-laboratory-adapting-to-poor-economy-new-legislation-emerging-technologies-116%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Essential to protect pathology reimbursement with skilled management Despite a slow economy, new technology continues to flood into anatomic pathology. These two contradictory forces make it essential for pathologist business leaders and their practice administrators to respond appropriately to preserve reimbursement and maximize the compensation of pathologists in the group. Dollars are not flowing to labs as [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967010 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:16 +0100 2967010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958708&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Flarge-medical-groups-are-best-positioned-to-provide-integrated-care-113%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Nine of the 10 largest medical groups are located on the East and West coasts When it comes to the list of the 20 largest physicians groups in the United States, Kaiser Permanente is at the top. With 7,000 physicians, Permanente Medical Group in Northern California is the nation’s largest. Number two is Southern California Permanente [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958708 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:55 +0100 2958708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954295&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fjames-peter-m-d-ph-d-founder-of-specialty-laboratories-dies-of-cancer%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Peter Built His Company into a Major National Esoteric Laboratory One of laboratory medicine’s most successful scientist-entrepreneurs died last Friday, October 30, 2009. James B. Peter M.D., Ph.D., Founder of Specialty Laboratories, Inc., died in his home in Santa Monica, California of complications from cancer. He was 76 years old. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, it was [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954295 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:21:14 +0100 2954295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950517&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fconemaugh-memorial-medical-center-study-automated-urinalysis-can-improve-laboratory-bottom-line-112%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Pre-analytical products, automated systems, and Lean Six Sigma combined to improve outcomes In today’s era of automation and Lean Six Sigma processes in laboratory medicine, the manual urinalysis test may be ready for a major makeover. Such a development would be welcome because, in the typical American hospital, the clinical laboratory performs an average of 120 [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950517 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:47 +0100 2950517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943486&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Ferrors-outside-the-clinical-laboratory-can-lead-to-fatal-consequences-for-patients-128%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Guest Commentary by: Mark Graban Clinical laboratory professionals and leaders should be reminded that their accountability for quality and patient safety does not end at the instrument or the microscope—at least from the general public’s perception and the needs of patients. This summer, I was walking through Boston Common and saw a woman with a homemade sign [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943486 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:12 +0100 2943486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939068&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpaml-has-new-owner-as-catholic-health-initiatives-buys-a-stake-127%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Deal with Providence Health gives PAML access to 78 CHI hospitals in 20 states Yesterday it was announced that Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML) of Spokane, Washington, has a new equity partner. In a joint release, Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Providence Health & Services acknowledged a “definitive agreement in which CHI will assume a 25% [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939068 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:38:45 +0100 2939068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927127&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmeet-the-nation%25e2%2580%2599s-top-10-healthcare-systems-for-quality-1026%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Advanced use of EHRs is one characteristic of nation’s quality leaders It’s a new study and ranking of top-performing health systems that Dark Daily readers will find interesting and useful. Thomson Reuters announced its latest Top 10 rankings, and identified three main ingredients for attaining higher-quality outcomes. They were: 1) a corporate-level coordinating committee; 2) ample [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927127 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:52:06 +0100 2927127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923160&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fclinical-labs-make-money-by-using-revenue-cycle-management-1023%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Management Tool Contributes to More Collected Revenue, Higher Sales Prices Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is hitting the radar screen at the nation’s best-managed clinical laboratories. That’s because shrinking reimbursement makes it imperative for clinical labs and pathology groups to collect every dollar legally due for the lab testing services they provide. RCM is a proven management [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923160 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:45:21 +0100 2923160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2919994&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fhitech-act-mandates-new-patient-privacy-requirements-on-labs-and-pathology-groups-1022%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Labs Must Report Privacy Breaches of 500 or More to the Media Call it HITECH collides with HIPAA! Most pathologists and lab executives know that passage of the HITECH Act was the part of 2009’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also referred to as “ARRA” or the “stimulus bill”). HITECH provides incentives for the expanded [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2919994 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:03:15 +0100 2919994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912051&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Flaboratory-test-new-sepsis-alert-system-methodist-north-hospital-saves-lives-reduces-costs-121%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed New diagnostic protocols that use lactic acid test cut deaths from sepsis Laboratory testing plays a key role in a new diagnostic protocol for sepsis that is saving lives at hospitals operated by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Tennessee. Since implementation of this new sepsis protocol, patient outcomes have improved significantly. Leadership at Methodist North Hospital (MNH) [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912051 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:57 +0100 2912051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904694&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fhematology-on-a-chip-university-of-southampton-develops-poc-blood-analysis-115%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed In conjunction with Phillips Research, a team from the University of Southampton is looking to revolutionize blood analysis Point-of-care blood cell analysis in doctor’s offices could soon be much faster and more convenient. In conjunction with Philips Research, a team of researchers at England’s University of Southampton is developing a miniaturized cell analysis device with [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904694 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:25 +0100 2904694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901564&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Ffda-panel-to-consider-digital-pathology-and-whole-slide-imaging-1016%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Are digital whole slide imaging systems ready to replace conventional light microscopy for diagnostic surgical pathology? Next week, an FDA committee will consider whether to allow pathologists to use digital pathology systems for primary diagnosis. Even if the committee does not make a positive recommendation, the timing demonstrates the swift progress in the quality of digital [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901564 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:50:00 +0100 2901564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890304&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fsonic%25e2%2580%2599s-diagnostic-medlab-signs-new-contract-with-auckland-health-boards-101%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Dark Daily Commentary: Treat lab testing as a commodity and risk disrupting the entire healthcare system Once again, the pathology profession is seeing the consequences of the “penny wise-pound foolish” philosophy relentlessly pursued by government health bureaucrats. This time it involves the Auckland District Health Boards in New Zealand. Having signed a cut-rate, back room deal [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890304 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:09 +0100 2890304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890305&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fhealthcare-reform-in-the-united-states-may-actually-increase-medical-tourism-1012%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed More medical tourists may also contribute to further globalization of lab testing Medical tourism continues to be a force with the potential to exert significant influence on healthcare in the United States. For that reason, experts have weighed in recently on how efforts to reform healthcare may either inhibit or encourage growth in the number of [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890305 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:43:58 +0100 2890305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890306&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fgenetic-test-for-celiac-disease-is-marketed-directly-to-consumers-via-internet-108%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Prometheus Laboratories targets millions of individuals with undiagnosed celiac disease Direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing for celiac disease is now a reality. One company is now marketing a saliva-based genetic test that allows a patient to request, administer, and check the results of the test without leaving his or her home! The market for this test is substantial. According [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890306 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:30:56 +0100 2890306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890307&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmagnetic-biomarker-chip-spots-cancer-before-it-develops-1005%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Up to 400 times more sensitive than existing ELISA-based methods Detecting any of seven cancers in their earliest stages may be feasible through the use of a new biomarker chip that was recently unveiled by scientists from Stanford University’s Center for Magnetic Nanotechnology. To give their biomarker chip increased sensitivity over fluorescent detection methods, the scientists [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890307 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:37:28 +0100 2890307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890308&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fcanadian-lab-leaders-gather-in-toronto-to-tackle-tough-issues-102%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Executive Edge conference tackles the good, the bad, and the ugly of lab testing DATELINE: TORONTO, CANADA—Yesterday and today, an impressive cross section of leaders in clinical lab testing, histopathology, and other health specialties in Canada came together. Their goal was to discuss and debate the future of laboratory testing services in Canada at the 4th [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890308 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:55 +0100 2890308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890309&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Flab-industry-quality-gurus-gather-and-share-best-practices-101%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Growing interest in Quality Management Systems (QMS) surfaces at Lab Quality Confab DATELINE: ATLANTA, GA—From nine countries around the world, several hundred clinical laboratory and pathology quality experts gathered in Atlanta this week for the third annual Lab Quality Confab. Dominating the sessions are impressive success stories from laboratories using Lean, Six Sigma, and similar quality [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890309 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:44:10 +0100 2890309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890310&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fjoint-commission-changes-requirement-for-patient-id-during-blood-draws-930%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Center for Phlebotomy Education says new requirement is step backward for patient safety When The Joint Commission recently changed the patient identification requirement for drawing a blood sample, one national phlebotomy leader considered it a step backward in patient safety. “Per a revised policy issued by The Joint Commission, it is no longer required for the phlebotomist [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890310 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:24 +0100 2890310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890311&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fused-laboratory-equipment-finds-a-place-during-tough-economic-recession-923%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Dark Daily interviews leading market maker in used and refurbished lab analyzers Used laboratory analyzers and systems are in demand across the United States, but the economic recession is less a factor in this market than would be expected. To find out if bargain-hunting pathologists and lab executives are snapping up refurbished analyzers and instrument systems [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890311 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:00:45 +0100 2890311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890312&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fseven-deadly-sins-of-quality-management-are-found-in-many-clinical-laboratories-925%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Unproductive workplace dynamics retard performance improvement efforts Some quality experts are recognizing that the true root causes of non-conforming events in clinical laboratories and pathology groups are not flaws in individual work processes. Rather, they argue the true root causes of defects are actually embedded organizational values and beliefs which management uses to justify and reinforce [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890312 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:39:13 +0100 2890312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890313&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fpathology%25e2%2580%2599s-most-intrepid-computer-nerds-are-busy-and-innovative%23utm_source%3Dfeed%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3Dfeed Helping pathologists go “all digital” is the vision of these informaticians DATELINE: PITTSBURGH—Lots of news and exciting developments have been showcased at this week’s gathering of pathology informatics gurus and innovators here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The occasion is the 14th annual Advancing Practice, Instruction, and Innovation in Informatics (APIII) and your Dark Daily editor is here [...] (Source: Dark Daily) Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890313 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:11 +0100 2890313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934524&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fmedicare-targets-avoidable-hospital-readmissions-to-jumpstart-delivery-reform Bundled Payment Demonstration Project Changes How Labs Would Be Paid Efforts in the nation’s capital to reform healthcare are still in the formative stage as the new President and the new Congress consider various approaches. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) started the new year by launching pilots for a bundled-service payment scheme. Not only may this be the beginning of the end of the fee-for-service payment system, but it has important implications for clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology groups. The bundled payment system demonstration projects are a first step to what’s coming next. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, better known as MedPAC , released its blueprint for reforming the delivery system to Congress on March 17 in ... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934524 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:10:38 +0100 2934524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934525&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Froche-pays-468-billion-for-genentech%25e2%2580%2594now-sole-owner-of-herceptin When Roche Holding AG (RO) of Basel, Switzerland, announced last month that it had an agreement to buy Genentech Inc. (DNA) of South San Francisco, California, it was big news. Roche had pursued the innovative drug maker since July with the primary goal of gaining access to the drugs in Genentech’s pipeline. On March 11, Roche got the support of Genentech’s board to pay $95 per share to buy the 44% of the company it doesn’t already own. One intriguing reason why Genentech was so attractive to Roche is that the California company has a line of products and biomarkers that fit almost seamlessly with what Roche already offers, including Herceptin, HER2/neu assays, and biomarkers useful for both companies. Alert readers of Dark Daily recall that, early in 2008, the acquisitiv... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934525 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:42:58 +0100 2934525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934526&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fus-hospital-employment-declines-for-first-time-since-2004 First-ever Gathering of Lab CFOs, Controllers to take place on April 28-29, 2009 News that the number of hospital jobs in the United States fell for the first time since June 2004 reveals several useful insights for clinical laboratory managers and pathologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, for March 2008, the number of hospital jobs declined by 700, against a total hospital workforce of 4.71 million. This small decline-less than one-tenth of one percent-demonstrates that demand for hospital services continues to be relatively resistant to economic declines. However, other Labor Bureau statistics highlight a darker picture for the long-term fortunes of hospitals. The entire healthcare sector picked up a net increase of 16,500 jobs, with most of this coming from the am... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934526 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:13:24 +0100 2934526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934527&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fblueprint-for-national-health-records-network-accepted-by-100-stakeholder-groups Recent consensus sets stage for further progress with universal patient health records (PHRs) Efforts to advance use of a universal electronic patient health record (PHR) got a boost recently. The creation of a Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) moved closer to reality with announcement of consensus among more than 100 stakeholders on guidelines for ensuring consumer-friendly features, operational efficiencies, privacy, and security. Connecting for Health, a public-private collaboration of health sector organizations and technology innovators, developed a common framework for building a network of networks. The framework provides specific technology, practice and policy approaches for consumers to securely obtain copies of their personal health records (PHRs) from various provide... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934527 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:40:11 +0100 2934527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934528&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fnovel-instrument-uses-molecular-and-nanotechnology-to-treat-sepsis New diagnostic and treatment approach will require close interaction with Pathologists There’s a novel diagnostic device designed to detect sepsis that also has to potential to engage the pathologist as part of the bedside care team. It is also an example of how nanotechnology and magnetism are being combined in ways that may support in vivo diagnosis and treatment. Created by a research scientist at Children’s Hospital Boston,  this new device uses magnetism to quickly pull disease pathogens out of infected blood. Experts predict it could become the first line of defense for sepsis, a disease which kills about 200,000 Americans each year. The system works by drawing the patient’s blood and adding tiny magnetic beads, pre-coated with antibodies against specific pathoge... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934528 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:21:49 +0100 2934528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934529&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Ftackling-every-clinical-lab%25e2%2580%2599s-medical-technologist-recruiting-retention-challenge Learn why medical labs shoot themselves in the foot when advertising and interviewing candidate! Probably the single most publicized trend in laboratory medicine is the shortage of medical technologists (MTs), clinical laboratory scientists (CLS), and medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). This shortage prevents many clinical laboratory managers from keeping their laboratories staffed at authorized levels. Equally publicized is the looming mass exodus of Baby Boomers from clinical laboratory positions as they hit retirement age. The oldest Baby Boomers, born in 1946, are turning 63 this year! They are already eligible for early Social Security benefits and just 24 months from turning 65-the age when full Social Security and Medicare benefits are available to them. This means the med tech... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934529 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:20:19 +0100 2934529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934530&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Ffive-rights-of-laboratory-testing Here in Chicago at the huge HIMSS meeting, people are paying attention to lab testing Dateline: Chicago, IL-Most physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers are quite familiar with the “Five Rights of Medication.” If one innovative healthcare company is successful, soon all these folks will be equally familiar with the newly-articulated “Five Rights of Laboratory Testing,” which emphasizes that every patient is entitled to receive the proper benefits from laboratory testing. Sunquest Information Systems, Inc has launched a campaign to promote the Five Rights of Laboratory Testing. The goal is to increase awareness among all healthcare workers of the need to exercise vigilance when ordering laboratory tests and using laboratory test data in patient care decisi... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934530 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:19:36 +0100 2934530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934531&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fexpansion-of-medical-home-concept-requires-response-by-clinical-laboratories Meet the concept of the medical home. It is a managed-care delivery model that charges physicians with coordinating overall care for patients with chronic illnesses. Since its’ inception just a few years ago, it has spread nationwide. Medical home demonstration projects now operate in 22 states. Two states, Rhode Island and North Dakota, have implemented statewide programs. By design, the medical home is a patient-centered, integrated care model. An important goal is to create a strong, long-term relationship between the physician and the patient. It does this by replacing episodic care based on illness with proactive, coordinated care provided by a physician-led team. In 2008, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) introduced standards to determine if a medical practice... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934531 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:47:11 +0100 2934531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934532&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fraising-the-performance-bar-for-hospital-infection-control As more attention is paid to reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HIAs), hospitals and health systems respond with proactive programs to eliminate many obvious sources of such infections. In turn, this affects hospital laboratories, since they play a key role in every hospital’s infection control program. The basic statistics are stunning. Hospital-acquired infections (HIAs) affect nearly 2 million Americans annually, resulting in 90,000 deaths and up to $6.5 billion in extra costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That is why, last fall, five important healthcare organizations banded together for the specific purpose of publishing proven strategies that can play a role in preventing six of the most important healthcare-associated infections. &#... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934532 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:00:47 +0100 2934532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934533&cid=s_39051_166_f&fid=39051&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darkdaily.com%2Fwhy-smart-medical-labs-are-collecting-more-reimbursement-during-today%25e2%2580%2599s-tough-economy Essential action area for clinical laboratory management and pathology management With the American economy in a tailspin, payers and patients want to delay or avoid payment for laboratory testing services. That is not good news for clinical labs and pathology groups. It means their billing and collection departments must perform at an even more productive level just to stay even! At the same time, during poor economic times, “cash is King!” Clinical laboratories and pathology groups can protect cash flow and increase their revenues by boosting the effectiveness of their billing/collection efforts. This is a proven management strategy. In response to the glum economic news of recent months, proactive clinical lab directors and pathologists have begun devoting more attention and... Dark Daily info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934533 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:01:06 +0100 2934533