Lab Intelligence
Digital Pathology Rollout Was ‘Big Bang’ at University of Louisville
CEO SUMMARY: It took less than one year to achieve full implementation of whole slide imaging and digital pathology at the University of Louisville’s Department of Pathology. One decision was to s…
With Z-codes, Will Other Payers Follow UnitedHealthcare’s Lead?
EDITOR’S NOT…
HCCI Reports Higher Prices for Hospital Outreach Tests
CEO SUMMARY: It’s another shot across the bows to hospital and health systems that use inpatient test prices when billing health insurers for outpatient/outreach lab tests. In its report, the Health Care Cost Institute documents how these hospital l…
Technical Assessment Challenges for Z-Code Applications
CEO SUMMARY: Effective on Aug. 1, UnitedHealthcare will require Z-code submissions for many genetic tests. During a recent webinar, experts tackled a topic that may prove troublesome for labs seeking Z-codes: technical assessments. Key advice is to provide specific data about clin…
UnitedHealthcare’s Z-code Policy Starts on Aug. 1
CEO SUMMARY: UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) response to the ever-growing number of unique genetic tests and the continuing growth in the volume of those claims is a new policy. Effective Aug. 1, UHC will require a Z-code with genetic test claims. This req…
Optum and Avalon Discuss Genetic Test Claims Review
CEO SUMMARY: With the ever-increasing number of genetic tests on the market, payers are understandably frustrated with genetic test claims that don’t clearly outline the medical need for a procedure or it…
UHC’s Z-Code Requirement to Commence on Aug. 1
CEO SUMMARY: In what may be an alarming development for certain clinical laboratories, as of Aug. 1, UnitedHealthcare will require Z-codes for molecular test claims filed under its co…
Major Events on Horizon to Reshape Lab Market
CEO SUMMARY: Speakers at last month’s Executive War College discussed a range of significant trends and changes happening today in the U.S. healthcare system. Two of the most important trends are …
Pharmacogenetic Tests Deliver for Avera Health Lab
CEO SUMMARY: When Avera Institute for Human Genetics wanted to expand its genomics program, it used its past learning with pharmacogenetics to guide the effort. Two key insights? Ask physicians abo…
Laboratories Can Find Value in Use of Leftover Samples
CEO SUMMARY: After testing on behalf of patients, there are often leftover samples. One company developed a platform to enable life science customers to access the samples and associated diagnostic data for research purposes. For clinical labs, the leftover samples provide an opport…
CURRENT ISSUE
Volume XXXII, No. 12 – August 25, 2025
In an exclusive interview, a laboratory industry M&A specialist discusses what’s driving lab outreach sales to national lab companies. Also, The Dark Report analyzes ways in which pathology and clinical labs can profitably partner with pharmaceutical companies.
See the full table of contentsHow Much Laboratory Business Intelligence Have You Missed?
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