The Struggle Is Real: Lab Leaders Discuss Utilization Challenges During a 2-Day Summit

Abstract

Utilization management of laboratory testing is a trend increasing in relevance as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve toward value-based care, and many pediatric and adult laboratories are developing strategies for utilization management. The Pediatric Laboratory Guidance Service (PLUGS) started an annual conference dedicated to the important topics and challenges related to lab utilization. This year, the 2-day PLUGS Summit boasted over 10 hours of continuing medical education and several networking events to bring together leaders in the field of lab utilization. The theme of the 2016 meeting focused on bringing together clinical labs, reference labs, and insurance companies to increase the value of laboratory testing, in the context of the US health economy.