Dec 30, 2009 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology, Managed Care Contracts & Payer Reimbursement
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 issues, as Australia’s health institutions struggle to cope with increased utilization of pathology testing and...
Dec 7, 2009 | Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
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 Agency of Canada (PHAC) called for increased security measures governing bio-safety at government laboratories. These...
Dec 2, 2009 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
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 the year. Several times in recent years, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare shopped Centrex Clinical Labs to interested buyers....
Nov 4, 2009 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
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 Medical Group, based in Pasadena, California. At number 20 is the University of Indiana School of Medicine with 1,481 physicians. This list was prepared by the...
Aug 21, 2009 | Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Management & Operations
It’s the second acquisition of a hospital lab outreach program in past six days Several days ago, a two-part deal was announced between Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX) and Caritas Christi Health Care of Boston, Massachusetts. Caritas sold its clinical laboratory outreach business to Quest Diagnostics and both parties formed a “strategic alliance” going forward that centers upon laboratory testing and informatics integration. Caritas will continue to own and manage the laboratories in...
