Since 1995, Reliable Business Intelligence for Clinical Laboratories, Pathology Groups and Laboratory Diagnostics

Volume XIII No. 15 - November 6, 2006

Pathology Lets the Oncology Cat Out of the Bag

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

BECAUSE OF GENETIC TECHNOLOGY, the profession of anatomic pathology may be poised for a golden age. The range of new technologies and diagnostic assays heading for clinical use have the potential to give pathologists the ability to detect disease with greater precision. They will also allow pathologists to guide clinicians to the most effective therapies. …

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Payer Sues Pathologists For Clin Path Fee Refund

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: In September, Anthem filed three lawsuits against pathology groups in Virginia, seeking refunds and punitive damages of up to $1million from each pathology group for pathology professional services provided in hospital labs by these pathology groups during the period 2001 through 2005. These three cases have disturbing implications for pathologists, as well as …

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Ventana & Cytyc Fall Short, Danaher Wins the Prize

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

WHEN Danaher Corporation’s high bid for Vision Systems Limited of Melbourne, Australia, was accepted last month, it appeared to be simply another acquisition by a large U.S. manufacturer. But, in fact, there are four reasons this transaction is significant to pathologists in the United States and worldwide. If approved by Vision’s shareholders later this year, …

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Doctors’ Income Survey Includes Pathologists

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Information on the year-to-year change in average total cash compensation for physicians shows that income is not keeping pace with inflation. That is not news to the physician community. However, pathologists continue to earn compensation that is above the midpoint average for 16 specialties. Compensation is rising swiftly for those pathologists with specific …

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Medical Identity Theft Is Twist On Identity Theft Crime Wave

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

THERE’S A NEW TWIST to the crime of identity theft. In a recently issued report, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alerted the health- care industry to a new threat. Organized criminal gangs are stealing medical information. Healthcare workers are frequently part of these conspiracies to steal patients’ medical information. Laboratories and pathology group practices are …

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Docs’ Pricing, Outcomes Available to the Public

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: Transparency of provider prices and outcomes is coming to healthcare. A new executive order directs all federal agencies to collect and publish data on prices and outcomes for healthcare providers serving beneficiaries of government health programs. At the same time, private payers are putting more information on the Web to help consumers learn …

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RedPath Integrated Pathology Raises $4 Million From Investors

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, RedPath Integrated Pathology, Inc. is in the midst of raising money for expansion. On September 25, 2006, it announced a $4 million equity financing commitment from NewSpring Capital of Philadephia, Pennsylvania. RedPath represents an interesting new business model in anatomic pathology. The company launched in June 2004. Its founder and Chief Medical …

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Lab Trends In Canada Run Ahead of U.S.A.

The Dark Report / By Robert Michel

CEO SUMMARY: In specific ways, laboratories in Canada are already confronting the future that awaits laboratories in the United States. Many of the challenges are identical, including shrinking reimbursement and funding, as well as a shortage of skilled lab staff. One unfolding development is pressure on pathologists to accept less compensation, leading pathologists in two …

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November 6, 2006 “Intelligence: Late Breaking Lab News”

Late Breaking Lab News / By Robert Michel

There’s regulatory relief for California labs in the important area of technical staff licensing. California’s Department of Health Services (DHS) has approved the Board of Registry medical technologist (MT) examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as meeting the California clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) licensure requirements. The approval is effective on October …

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