We have worked with a lot of labs in the past 12 years, but we have interviewed
4x as many as we have chosen to work with. While they can all look the same from the outside, we tend to dig a little deeper than most to find trusted lab partners that want long term relationships.
Here is a list of starter discussion points medical providers should use when evaluating a laboratory:
Accreditation: Make sure the laboratory is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) or the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
Reputation: Research the laboratory's reputation and look for reviews from other physicians who have worked with the laboratory.
Services offered: Consider the types of services the laboratory offers and make sure they align with your practice's needs.
Turnaround time: Look at the laboratory's turnaround time for test results and make sure it's fast enough to meet your practice's needs.
Quality of results: Check for the laboratory's track record of providing accurate and reliable test results.
Insurance coverage: Check if the laboratory is in-network with the insurance plans your patients have.
Support: Ensure that the laboratory has a good support team that can assist you in case of any technical issues or problems.
Technology: Make sure the laboratory uses the latest technology and security protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of patient data.
Billing: Make sure you understand their billing philosophy. How much do the charge? How do they handle communicating with your patients?
It's a good idea to speak with trusted advisors or other physicians who have worked with the laboratory, and ask them about their experiences and if they would recommend working with them. Taking the time to research the laboratory and its reputation can help you avoid headaches in the future.