I think we have a great issue to start your new year off! Our Continuing Education article on page 6 was written by Sten Westgard, Director of Client Services and Technology at Westgard QC. He provides a summary of some of the CLIA proficiency testing (PT) changes that will be enforced on January 1, 2025, along with guidance on preventing PT failures using the analytical Sigma metric. The full CLIA final rule in the Federal Register can be viewed at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/07/11/2022-14513/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-of-1988-clia-proficiency-testing-regulations-related-to and the updated interpretive guidelines and survey procedures can be viewed here: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-25-10-clia.pdf.
There are many new analytes that will now be regulated and there are revised scoring criteria for currently regulated analytes. In our March and November 2025 issues, experts from the American Proficiency Institute will be answering your confidential questions in our “Dear API Abby” column. Questions for them can be sent to [email protected].
I love the article, “Tough-minded optimism: Strategies to thrive not just survive” on page 20. I think it’s a great read to start the new year off — especially if you’re a new year goal setter (like me). This article gives wonderful guidance on how to stay positive when things get rough and includes 12 characteristics of tough-minded optimists based on the book, The Power of Optimism by Alan Loy McGinnis. The second one really resonated with me: “Tough-minded optimists look for partial solutions…One of the greatest obstacles to success is perfectionism.”
MLO staff met the author of this article, Patty Eschliman, at the KnowledgeLab conference this past April. Patty was a lab manager and lab director for many years and is also a certified professional coach. She is president and CEO of Lab Leader Coach. Patty will be contributing to MLO throughout the year in a new “Coaching Corner” series in our April, September, and November issues where she will be answering your questions related to teamwork, leadership, personal growth, and more. Those questions can also be sent to [email protected].
Finally, new year goals often involve money. Saving more money, evaluating our spending, getting more money somehow. Anthony Kurec, Clinical Associate Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University has provided you an article on page 16 titled, “Reimbursement for laboratory services Are you leaving money on the table?” This educational article on laboratory billing provides information on CPT codes and ICD codes, along with guidance on resolving denials and errors. Anthony’s article will help lab managers minimize denials, improve cash flow, and reduce potential compliance issues.
And while you are in a goal-setting state of mind, do not forget to nominate your lab for MLO’s Lab of the Year Award. The winning labs are featured in the April 2025 issue, and this is always one of the most exciting issues of the year to see the wonderful work being done in our clinical labs. The submission requirements are at: https://www.mlo-online.com/55234457.
I welcome your comments and questions — please send them to me at [email protected].
