Lab Intelligence
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…
Pandemic Helped Lab with Hospital Leaders
CEO SUMMARY: Growth at Atrium Health during the COVID-19 pandemic elevated its clinical laboratory’s profile with medical leaders and health system administrators. What followed was a new spirit of collaboration that led to lab involvement in cost savings efforts, such as improved…
CAP, Joint Commission Under Pressure to Add More Inspectors
CEO SUMMARY: Like the clinical laboratories they accredit to the requirements of CLIA, The Joint Commission and College of American Pathologist (CAP) face recruitment and hiring pressures when it comes to their surveyors and inspectors. Labs involved with CAP’s peer inspections ma…
Labcorp to Pay $19m to Settle Whistleblower Allegations
LABCORP AGREED TO SETTLE WHISTLEBLOWER ALLEGATIONS that it violated the False Claims Act by allowing its phlebotomists to draw blood from patients when the company allegedly knew kickbacks were behind the test orders for other lab firms. As part of the settlement, Labcorp in Burli…
CURRENT ISSUE
Volume XXXIII, No. 13 – Special Issue Fall 2026
In The Dark Report’s fall 2026 special issue, we review the state of artificial intelligence in clinical laboratories and pathology practices. Briefings include how AI can be a great equalizer for independent labs; why AI can help with diagnostic management team consultations; the role of AI in revenue cycle management; a case study on how AI-assisted workflow streamlined inspection readiness; and how image management systems and AI can work together.
See the full table of contentsHow Much Laboratory Business Intelligence Have You Missed?
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