In the quest for excellence in patient care and operational efficiency, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) achieved a remarkable transformation in its molecular pathology division under the strategic leadership of Joeffrey Chahine, PhD. This success story unveils how a shift from reliance on reference laboratories to in-house, high-volume testing not only improved patient outcomes but also turned a once-costly division into a profitable practice.
Chahine strategically chose in-house testing, particularly the cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA PCR quantitative assay, for high-volume LDT implementation. Despite upfront investments, this move led to improved patient care, accelerated turnaround times, and financial gains. The division's success in providing rapid, actionable results, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforced the advantages of LDTs.
Chahine emphasizes that, amid rising healthcare costs, reforming diagnostic laboratories through efficient in-house testing and relying on lab-developed tests (LDTs), can enhance patient care and contribute to financial stability in health systems. The success story illustrates how strategic changes led to improved outcomes, profits, and a shift in perception regarding the role of diagnostic laboratories in healthcare systems.
Download this white paper to learn:
- The importance and financial benefits of strategic, in-house testing
- How to overcome historical patterns and present convincing stakeholder buy-in
- How LDTs can be used during public health crises
- The story of MGUH’s monumental growth from a financial loss to a profitable, well-run practice
