It’s no secret that healthcare is data intensive, especially among dialysis patients. Over the past few decades, laboratory companies focusing solely on end-stage renal disease patients have emerged as pivotal data centers that can help dialysis clinics become more efficient in how they care for patients. A quality reporting system is the linchpin that helps clinics achieve this.
“In a macro sense, think about what we’re selling and providing, and that’s information,” said Paul Beyer, CEO of Satellite Laboratory Services. “The reporting system is the backbone of that, especially because dialysis patients are very lab intensive. The average American gets one test every 10 months to a year. These patients are getting 15 tests a month.”
A quality laboratory reporting system saves clinicians time, while also enhancing the care they can provide their patients. This leads not only to improved overall clinical outcomes, but also financial outcomes, according to Sean Martin, executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, Nationwide Laboratory Services. “Excelling clinically and financially is imperative for independent clinics trying to survive in today’s increasingly dynamic and regulated environment.”
In addition, the CMS Conditions for Coverage (CfCs) and the recently proposed bundled payment rules are moving dialysis clinics to focus on disease state clinical outcomes that will support a Pay for Performance reimbursement system, according to Nicholas R. Brownlee, PhD, President, Spectra Laboratories. The Conditions for Coverage intent is to ensure focused patient-centric care, reduce risk and improve clinical outcomes.
“Facility performance measures proposed in the MIPPA [Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008] proposed rules are focused on specific measures that will influence payment,” Brownlee added. “As a result, providers of dialysis services rely on their professional laboratory to provide timely and accurate results in a format that is patient-centered, outcomes focused, disease state and evidence driven, and easy to use.”
