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Position the Laboratory for Molecular Testing NOW

Why perform MDx testing in-house?

Availability
It is now easier to start a molecular lab. Improvements in
instrumentation, simplified testing profiles, and automated testing
platforms can assure quality results for clinicians. Workflow processes
can be streamlined to address staffing concerns.
Clinical demand
Standard of care for certain diseases is a concept shared by many in the
healthcare industry. In the laboratory market, companies are looking not
only to increase molecular automation, but also to improve lab efficiency
and productivity with easy techniques, and by combining sample
preparation, analysis, and data review into one process.

Operational cost
The annual laboratory budget will increase up to 15 percent with
MDx testing. Most clinicians agree that two to four days for results
is not in the best interest of patient care. Rapid in-house testing is
an important factor in preventing a longer-than-normal hospital stay.
These tests include VZV pediatric infections, MRSA surgical
procedure screening, and CMV quantification in transplant patients.

Faster results process
Faster results mean better outcomes for patients with certain disease
conditions that can be quickly diagnosed, enabling clinicians to make
accurate and immediate decisions. Accurate and faster results often
translate into an earlier discharge for patients and can help reduce
hospital-acquired infections and cross contamination for better patient
outcomes and a healthy hospital environment.

Convincing hospital executives
to consider MDx testing

Hospitals looking to establish a MDx lab would do well to adopt Consider outsourcing your genetic / MDx billing
a different approach to present to management.
Potential revenue reimbursement | Cost per test
Focus your presentation on quality of patient care. With improved The cost of genetic testing can range from less than $100 to more
turnaround times and faster results, clinicians can deliver than $2,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the test.
exceptional care, and patients can be discharged in less time. The cost increases if multiple tests are necessary or if multiple family
This is a cost saving that will catch the attention of hospital members must be tested to obtain a meaningful result. For newborn
executives. Promoting better care brings recognition to the screening, costs vary by state. Some states cover part of the total
hospital and better serves the community. cost, but most charge a fee of $15 to $60 per infant.
Determining your test menu Complexity of genetic / MDx billing
Introduce your MDx testing program with a test menu that will MDx testing is increasing in today’s healthcare. With progress
be the easiest to deploy: infectious disease testing, for example. comes significant challenges in complex MDx billing and coding
Implementing a MRSA screening program for high-risk patients will reimbursement. Codes are re-written based on genetic testing
show cost avoidance by identifying high-risk patients to prevent reviews each year, according to CMS, and some codes can cover
transmission from patient to patient and to healthcare workers. up to 10 genes. Laboratories must be aware of changing codes
Talking to your clinicians can provide insight into their priorities and updates on a daily basis to ensure proper billing.
and ordering patterns. Performing an analysis will help you select
the best test menu for a profitable revenue outcome and superior
patient care.
Measuring the success of your MDx lab
A successful MDx testing program can result in personal
satisfaction for you and your staff—not only from a clinical
diagnostic standpoint but also from a team effort. Providing your
clinicians with results that delivered better patient outcomes is the
best reward—and being recognized in your hospital as an asset
will only increase new testing for your lab’s continued success in
molecular testing.