tag:www.labready.com,2005:/resources?page=4Blog2021-04-16T18:43:34Ztag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/1052021-04-19T14:46:24Z2021-05-03T20:17:08ZCelebrating National Medical Lab Professionals Week 2021<h1><strong>We are not makers of history. We are made by history.</strong> </h1><div>– <strong>Martin Luther King, Jr.</strong></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for clinical laboratory personnel.<br><br></div><div>MLPW, which takes place the last full week in April each year, is coordinated by a collaborative committee with representatives from <a href="https://ascls.org/mlpw-sponsoring-organizations"><strong>17 national clinical laboratory organizations</strong></a>, including ASCLS. Now in it's 44th year, it is important to reflect on the important history of MLPW.<br><br></div><div> Let’s take a look at the evolution of The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and examine how our industry has been made:<br><br><figure data-trix-attachment="{"content":"<span class='trix-attachment-spina-image' data-label=''> <img src='https://www.labready.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBZjQ9IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1d804be4c02f78c4f11ebb43381791eee7ac5cd8/th.jpg' alt='' /> </span>"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" class="attachment attachment--content"><span class="trix-attachment-spina-image" data-label=""> <img src="https://www.labready.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBZjQ9IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1d804be4c02f78c4f11ebb43381791eee7ac5cd8/th.jpg" alt=""> </span><figcaption class="attachment__caption"></figcaption></figure></div><div> </div><div><br><strong>1930s — Inception</strong><br><br></div><div>The ASMT was first organized in 1933, and incorporated three years later. Through its first decade of existence, the organization worked hard to establish its credibility and qualification as a society with high standards. Early members had to get certified by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) to prove this high standard. They established a journal, their constitution and bylaws, opened state charters, and began educating the general public about their profession. </div><div> </div><div><br><strong>1940s — Growth</strong><br><br></div><div>Through the 1940s, membership grew, but the organization still had to fight for their professional independence. Many meetings were held alongside physicians. The first ASMT independent convention was held in 1947. </div><div> </div><div><br><strong>1950s — Scientific Advancements</strong><br><br></div><div>The 1950s saw notable advancements such as the first paper on quality control and the creation of the ASMT Education and Research Fund. During this decade, ASMT also worked to gain professional recognition from the military. </div><div> </div><div><br><strong>1960s — Professional Growth</strong><br><br></div><div>During this decade, the group upgraded professional qualifications. As of 1962, requirements to be a clinical laboratory scientist (medical technologist) changed to include a baccalaureate degree, forming a new category of lab technician. Also in this decade, the ASMT joined the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologies. </div><div> </div><div><br><strong>1970s — Expanding Membership & Education</strong><br><br></div><div>In the 1970s, ASMT membership grew to over 30,000. The group introduced the Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (PACE) program. They also created the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), an independent accreditation agency for university- and hospital-based education programs in clinical laboratory science and related healthcare professions. They partnered with Central Michigan University to provide graduate programs for laboratory professionals to earn master’s degrees in administration or education. </div><div><br><strong>1980s — Political Involvement</strong><br><br></div><div>The 1980s saw more national political involvement from the ASMT. The group increased their involvement in national politics, such as testifying in front of congressional committees. They also moved offices from Houston, TX to Washington, D.C. to become more involved in legislative advances for the laboratory profession. Other notable events in this decade include the failed attempt to join ASMT and AMT; initiation of the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC); and initiation of the Legislative Symposium. </div><div><br><strong>1990s — Established & Respected </strong><br><br></div><div>ASMT changed their name to The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) in the 1990’s. They partnered with the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) to present one of the largest meetings of laboratory professionals. In 1995, the ASCLS worked with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to recognize medical technologists as “professional employees.” <br><br></div><div> <strong>LabReady recognizes the significant contributions of ASCLS, and honors all Medical Lab Professionals during #LabWeek21! </strong></div><div> <br>If you are a lab professional, we'd love to hear from you! Click <a href="https://www.labready.com/#modalLabs">here</a> to drop us a note! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Lennytag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/1042021-04-12T17:27:34Z2021-05-03T20:20:59ZBursting Myths Around Group B Strep<h1><strong>Bursting Myths Around Group B Strep </strong></h1><div><br><strong>Before you consider myths versus reality, you need to know what exactly is Group B Strep!</strong></div><div><br></div><div>Group B Strep (GBS) is a naturally occurring bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract or vagina of about 1 in 4 pregnant women. This is a concern during pregnancy, as an infection can be passed to the child during birth. There are serious risks to newborns if GBS is left undetected. Approximately 50% of women who are colonized with GBS will transmit the bacteria to their newborns. <br><br></div><div>We’ve compiled a list of myths about group B Strep and researched the correct answers to keep you informed!<br><br></div><div><strong>Myth 1: Group B Strep will show up in a urine test. <br></strong><br></div><div><strong>FALSE!<br></strong><br></div><div>Because GBS colonizes the vagina and rectum, a urine test <strong>may</strong> be contaminated by GBS. Pregnant women are screened for GBS as part of routine prenatal care. The test for GBS is called a culture. In this test, a swab is used to take a sample from the vagina and rectum. <br><br></div><div><strong>Myth 2: My doctor will recommend I get tested for Group B Strep. <br></strong><br></div><div><strong>TRUE!<br></strong><br></div><div>The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends universal GBS screening for all mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy between 36 and 37 weeks. <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/group-b-strep-and-pregnancy"><br></a><br></div><div>However, there is no routine screening for GBS in the UK. At the moment, the NHS does not routinely test for GBS in pregnant women. Women may choose to get tested privately. It is recommended you consult with your midwife if you previously had a baby with a GBS infection, or if you tested positive for GBS during this pregnancy. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Myth 3: If my GBS test results are positive, my baby will have health issues. <br></strong><br></div><div><strong>FALSE!</strong></div><div>While a positive GBS test result remains a threat to the health of your newborn, your OB/GYN will recommend the use of antibiotics to help treat your GBS infection and mitigate any subsequent health issues for your baby after birth. Most commonly, practitioners recommend the use of Penicillin to treat group B Strep in pregnant women. </div><div><br></div><div>To learn more about group B Strep, and its potential impact on newborns, view another LabReady blog post: <a href="https://www.labready.com/resources/the-abc-s-of-gbs">https://www.labready.com/resources/the-abc-s-of-gbs</a>. <br><br>To speak with a LabReady team member, click <a href="https://www.labready.com/resources#modalPatients">here</a>.<br><br></div><div><em>Learn more at the following websites: </em><br><br></div><div> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html">Centers for Disease Control</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html"><br></a><br></div><div> <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=clinical">American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology<br></a><br></div><div><br></div><div>Article Sources<strong>:<br></strong><br></div><div>CDC: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html">https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html<br></a><br></div><div>ACOG: <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=clinical">https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=clinical<br></a><br></div><div>NHS: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/screening-pregnant-women-for-gbs-not-recommended">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/screening-pregnant-women-for-gbs-not-recommended<br></a><br></div><div>AAP: <a href="https://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/07/08/gbs070819#:~:text=The%20AAP%20has%20updated%20guidance%20for%20early-onset%20and,the%20Centers%20for%20Disease%20Control%20and%20Prevention%20%28CDC%29">https://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/07/08/gbs070819#:~:text=The%20AAP%20has%20updated%20guidance%20for%20early-onset%20and,the%20Centers%20for%20Disease%20Control%20and%20Prevention%20%28CDC%29<br></a><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div>tag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/1032021-04-07T15:30:28Z2021-04-29T17:50:37ZGBS Around the World<div>An estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women around the world carry group B Streptococcus (GBS), an average of 18%, which is a major source of infection for newborns. This percentage varies by country, up to 35% in the Caribbean. <br><br></div><div>GBS bacteria live in the digestive system and/or lower vaginal tract of healthy adults, usually with no symptoms. It can be passed vertically from mother to child through amniotic fluid or through contact in birth canal during labor. <br><br></div><div>Newborns struggle fighting off infection because of their immature immune systems. In this environment, GBS can multiply rapidly and cause serious illness:<br><br></div><ul><li>Meningitis</li><li>Septicemia</li><li>Stillbirth or infant death</li><li>Hearing or vision loss</li><li>Cerebral palsy<br><br></li></ul><div>Currently, the best way to prevent infant GBS infection is by early testing and administering IV antibiotics to the mother during labor. This practice prevents approximately 29,000 cases of early-onset infection every year. Different countries around the world have different policies regarding testing and antibiotic use. <br><br></div><ul><li>35 countries, including the US, test all pregnant women for GBS carriage</li><li>25 countries, including the UK, only identify women with clinical risk factors</li><li>Other countries do not have explicit policies or procedures<br><br></li></ul><div>Screening and treatment is more likely to occur in a high-income setting. GBS prevention is more difficult in low-income settings due to home births and limited laboratory capacity. Widespread antibiotic use is not regularly recommended in order to prevent the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. <br><br></div><div>These factors demonstrate why GBS screening is so critical. Reliable and consistent GBS testing enables caregivers to identify when to treat with antibiotics and when not to use them, simultaneously preventing antibiotic resistance and saving infant lives. <br><br></div><div>Group B Streptococcus infection causes an estimated 150,000 preventable stillbirths and infant deaths every year. Consistent GBS testing and early treatment globally is the key to preventing illness, even death, in newborns.<br><br>To speak with a LabReady Team Member about early GBS testing, click <a href="https://www.labready.com/#modalProviders">here</a>: <br><br>Source: <a href="https://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/press/news_group_b_strep_stillbirths_infant_deaths_2017/en/">https://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/press/news_group_b_strep_stillbirths_infant_deaths_2017/en/</a> <br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div>tag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/1022021-04-07T10:20:00Z2021-04-07T14:21:03ZDos and Don’ts for Preventing Perinatal group B Strep Infection <div><strong>We've sourced, and compiled a list of group B Strep facts while busting some common misconceptions along the way! Learn more about proper pre and perinatal care in this article "Do's and Don'ts For Preventing group B Strep in Pregnant Women":</strong></div><div><br><strong>DO</strong> screen for GBS in week 36 through 37 of her pregnancy (within 5 weeks of birth). This new recommended timing for screening provides a 5-week window for valid culture results that includes births that occur up to a gestational age of at least 41 0/7 weeks. It is still early enough to report lab results. <br><br></div><div><strong>DON’T</strong> assume that GBS screening is a universal practice for all pregnant women. While the US has a policy to test all expecting women to see if they carry GBS, the UK and two dozen other countries only identify women with clinical risk factors. These risk factors include having a baby with GBS in a previous pregnancy, incidental detection of GBS carriage, and infant prematurity. <br><br></div><div> <strong>DO</strong> use IV penicillin at the time of birth on mothers carrying GBS. Administering IV antibiotics to the GBS-positive woman during labor reduces the baby’s risk of developing a GBS infection from 1 in 200 down to 1 in 4,000 chance. Women who undergo a cesarean birth do not need antibiotics as long as all membranes are intact. <br><br></div><div><strong>DON’T </strong>administer oral antibiotics, as these will not prevent potential infant infection. Antibiotic use early in pregnancy is ineffective because the bacteria can recolonize quickly. Overuse of antibiotics has the potential to create antibiotic-resistant strains of GBS and other bacteria. <br><br></div><div><strong>DO</strong> be aware there are different presentations of GBS infection in infants based on when symptoms start. <br><br></div><ul><li>Early onset: From birth until 7 days old</li><li>Late onset: From one week to several months old</li></ul><div><br></div><div>Symptoms to look out for include: Fever, difficulty breathing, limpness or lethargy, grunting, difficulty feeding, blue-ish or mottled skin. <br><br>The possibility of prenatal intrauterine infection (POGBS) is under study. Studies indicate that GBS can pass through placental membrane and cause stillbirth and perinatal mortality. <br><br></div><div><strong>DON’T </strong>do vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine during labor. There is no evidence that this prevents early onset GBS infection in infants. Repeated vaginal cleansing in this manner increases vaginal irritation. <br><br></div><div><strong>In Summary<br></strong>Group B Strep is the leading cause of infection in newborns and can result in death (5%) or long term developmental disabilities (25%). Know the these important facts and myth-busting information for the proper care of pregnant women.<br><br><strong><em>For more information, or to discuss these topics with a LabReady team member, click</em></strong> <a href="https://www.labready.com/mission#modalProviders">here</a>.<br><br></div><div><br><strong><em>Resources:</em></strong><br><a href="https://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/press/news_group_b_strep_stillbirths_infant_deaths_2017/en/">https://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/press/news_group_b_strep_stillbirths_infant_deaths_2017/en/<br></a><br></div><div> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6475221/#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20maternal%20risk,and%20suspected%20infection%20in%20labour">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6475221/#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20maternal%20risk,and%20suspected%20infection%20in%20labour</a></div><div><br><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html">https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html</a> <br> <br> <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns">https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns</a> <br><br></div><div><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html">https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html</a> <br><br><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/symptoms.html">https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/symptoms.html</a> <br><br><a href="https://fr.groupbstrepinternational.org/uploads/1/1/7/3/117312377/figo_pogbs_poster_1360976.pdf">https://fr.groupbstrepinternational.org/uploads/1/1/7/3/117312377/figo_pogbs_poster_1360976.pdf</a> <br><br>WHO Recommendation for Prevention and Treatment of Material Peripartum Infections <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/186171/9789241549363_eng.pdf;jsessionid=7ACAA1FFA6D36634019ADCC335030AA1?sequence=1">https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/186171/9789241549363_eng.pdf;jsessionid=7ACAA1FFA6D36634019ADCC335030AA1?sequence=1</a> (PDF)</div><div><br><br></div><div> <br><br></div><div> <br><br></div><div> <br><br></div><div><br></div>Lennytag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/992021-03-23T12:26:38Z2021-12-13T18:58:00ZA Winning Strategy for Physician Practices<div><strong>A Winning STRATEGY for Physician Practices</strong></div><div> </div><div>The <a href="https://www.mgma.com/">Medical Group Management Association</a>, (MGMA) has released its “Winning Strategies from Top Medical Groups” with data from over 2900 practices.</div><div> </div><div>We have summarized the report in short blog posts focusing on key points in the three areas of success: strategy, operations and culture. </div><div> </div><div>MGMA’s<strong> Recommended Approach to Strategic Success:</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div>1. Establish metrics and goals to maintain performance and accountability</div><div>2. Assess <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/shift-payment-models-alters-physician-compensation"><strong>compensation models</strong></a> to retain top talent</div><div>3. Review vendor contracts for cost, value and strategic alignment</div><div>4. Invest in appropriate technology</div><div>5. Assess costs and reduce them when possible</div><div>6. Revise systems and processes that support the organization, particularly <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/revenue-cycle-essential-office"><strong>revenue cycle</strong></a>, billing, and collections</div><div>7. Increase patient access and engagement with cross-departmental strategies</div><div>8. Develop and implement standard work</div><div>9. Tie incentives to goals</div><div>10. Adjust schedules, operating hours and staffing to achieve goals</div><div>11. Focus on efficiently reporting key metrics, then benchmark metrics to identify new strategic opportunities.</div><div> </div><div>Hallee Fisher-Wright, MD, CEO and president of MGMA states, “Top performing medical groups are methodical when investing in their organizations.”</div><div> </div><div>Successful practices invest in good people, good technology and good systems—and then they maximize the return on those investments, achieving lower <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/cost-concerns-drive-ma-activity"><strong>operating costs</strong></a> as a percent of revenue.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Next blog: </strong><a href="https://www.labready.com/resources/a-winning-operations-plan-for-physician-practices"><strong>A Winning OPERATIONS Plan for Physician Practices</strong></a><strong> </strong><br><br></div><div>To discuss the topics in this article, contact a LabReady team member here: <a href="https://www.labready.com/#modalProviders">https://www.labready.com/#modalProviders</a><br><br></div><div><em> </em></div><div>Credit: Healthleaders, MGMA</div><div> </div><div>Source credit and full article: <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/mgma-shares-physician-practice-keys-success">https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/mgma-shares-physician-practice-keys-success</a></div>tag:www.labready.com,2005:Spina::Blog::Post/1002021-03-23T12:26:15Z2021-12-13T18:59:54ZA Winning Operations Plan for Physician Practices <div><strong>A Winning Operations Plan for Physician Practices</strong></div><div> </div><div>MGMA’s<strong> Recommended Approach to Operational Success</strong></div><div> </div><div>Specifically, successful practices spend their time and money in three areas:</div><div><br></div><ul><li><a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/innovation/analytics-challenge-timing-talent-value-and-ethics"><strong>Analytics</strong></a> <strong>and reporting—55%</strong></li><li><strong>Billing and collections efficiency—58%</strong></li><li><strong>Coding and documentation efficiency—61%</strong></li></ul><div><br></div><div>Better performers report technology investments pay off when investing in:<br><br></div><ul><li><strong>New or upgraded EHR systems</strong> to support better patient communication, better provider experience, and efficiency<br> </li><li><strong>Electronic communication systems</strong> such as secure text messaging platforms for use between providers and secure file transfer systems to reduce faxing<br> </li><li><strong>Upgraded billing and coding software</strong> as well as revenue cycle management systems</li></ul><div><strong>In closing<br></strong><br></div><div>MGMA President and CEO Halee Fisher-Wright, MD states, “Top performing medical groups are methodical when investing in their organizations. <br><br></div><div>The decision on what to invest in is directly tied to what the practice identifies as organizational goals. They only invest in those items that allow them to make significant progress toward those goals," she said.<br><br></div><div>“Successful practices invest in good people, good technology and good systems—and then they maximize the return on those investments, achieving lower <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/cost-concerns-drive-ma-activity"><strong>operating costs</strong></a> as a percent of revenue,” the report says.</div><div> </div><div>Next blog: <a href="https://www.labready.com/resources/a-winning-culture-for-physician-practices"><strong>A Winning CULTURE for Physician Practices</strong></a><strong> <br></strong><br></div><div>Previous blog: <a href="https://www.labready.com/resources/a-winning-strategy-for-physician-practices"><strong>Strategy: A Winning STRATEGY for Physician Practices</strong></a><strong><br></strong><br></div><div>To discuss the topics in this article, <a href="https://www.labready.com/#modalProviders">contact a LabReady team member here.</a></div><div><strong> <br></strong><br></div><div>Credit: Healthleaders, MGMA</div><div> </div><div>Source credit and full article: <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/mgma-shares-physician-practice-keys-success">https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/mgma-shares-physician-practice-keys-success</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <br><br></div>