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The Dark Report

Tennessee Lab Network In Start-Up Preparations

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Planning for the Middle Tennessee Healthcare Network’s proposed regional laboratory network took longer than expected, but not without good cause. Organizers of this laboratory network did their homework and created a solid business plan. Approval by CEOs from the participating 12 hospitals to launch operations was unanimous. FEBRUARY WAS A MILESTONE MONTH in …

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MTHN Provides Lessons In Creating Lab Networks

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Every regional laboratory network in the United States is unique. Regional variations in healthcare and business objectives are different in every case. But the management problems of network structure, governance, marketing and finance are always the same. Here are some useful lessons learned by the Middle Tennessee Healthcare Network. PROBABLY NO OTHER laboratory …

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Big Loss At MedPartners, Aetna Buys NY Life Unit

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Consolidation of the healthcare industry may be continuing, but the process is not profitable for some of the country’s largest corporations. Clinical laboratories will continue to be impacted by the financial fortunes of these major players. Here’s why the troubles at MedPartners and Aetna/U.S. Healthcare presage more financial pressure. TWO MAJOR COMPANIES in …

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Selling A Path Practice Requires Knowledge, Savvy & Good Timing

Pathology Trends / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Historically, there was virtually no market for buying and selling pathology practices. That is rapidly changing as the first pathology practice management (PPM) companies enter the marketplace. Their business plan requires them to acquire pathology practices if they are to grow and prosper. In the first installment of this special two-part series, we …

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Consumer Choice Decimates HMO Business Plan

Commentary and Opinion by R. Lewis Dark / By R. Lewis Dark

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ THE STORY about the financial woes of managed care plans in this issue. After virtually every big HMO company reported sizeable losses for 1997, Kaiser Permanente joined the club with a $270 million loss. Following years of soaring profits, it appears that health insurers are about to enter a sustained …

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AmeriPath, SmithKline, Unilab, IMPATH, LabOne, Prudential/SBCL

Clinical Laboratory / By Robert Michel

AMERIPATH REPORTS EARNINGS, NEW PURCHASE AmeriPath, Inc. of Riviera Beach, Florida announced its 1997 financial performance. For the year, company revenues totaled $108.4 million. On February 17, the company also disclosed the acquisition of Anatomic Pathology Associates (APA), located in Indianapolis, Indiana. AmeriPath intends to combine APA’s 14 pathologists with the 13 pathologists of CoLab, …

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“March 2, 1998 Intelligence: Late Breaking Lab News”

Late Breaking Lab News / By Robert Michel

An interesting executive shuffle is under way at Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. James D. Chambers was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. He will report directly to CEO Ken Freeman. Chambers will assume many of the duties handled by Don Hardison, Jr., who is leaving Quest Diagnostics. ADD TO:…QUEST Chambers has a non-laboratory …

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1998’s Movers & Shakers Go Beyond The Ordinary

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: As the laboratory industry undergoes fundamental change, new business and management models must be developed. Our list of “Movers and Shakers” for 1998 highlights individuals now leading the science of laboratory management toward these new paradigms. FINDING EXAMPLES OF LEADERSHIP and innovation among executives and managers within the clinical laboratory industry can be …

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Kaiser Reports Huge Loss, Many HMOs Losing Money

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Poor financial performance of many managed care plans is bad news for clinical laboratories. Those insurance plans losing money find it tough to increase reimbursement for laboratory tests. Financial struggles of the health insurance industry should be closely watched for its impact upon physicians, hospitals and laboratories. TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY. After reporting …

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Catholic Healthcare West, Tenet Form Joint Venture

Laboratory Management / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: This consolidation initiative brings together the resources of both hospital operators. The objective of the partnership is to more efficiently align services in California’s San Joaquin Valley. This is a proactive step that anticipates further reductions in reimbursement and inpatient admissions in California’s competitive environment. By Pooling Resources in California’s Northern San Joaquin …

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