The status of physician office labs since CLIA '88

Although the CLIA regulations were expanded to include the physician office lab just more than a decade ago, the in-office laboratory has survived and actually now represents the largest number of labs registered with CLIA. One reason for the increase in office labs is the increased number of "Waived" laboratory tests. While seemingly cumbersome, the CLIA regulations have helped to assure quality and accuracy of the more complex laboratory testing. Additional concerns for physicians include cost of laboratory equipment, availability of trained testing personnel, government regulation, and insufficient reimbursement. Some physicians believe that performing needed lab testing at the time of the visit can actually save time. In addition, their patients prefer the convenience of office laboratory testing, and hence, in-office testing helps to improve patient satisfaction.