The link between the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and medical administration. Managing the quality continuum.

Abstract

As hospital-based physicians, pathologists are positioned to play a key role in quality management at their institutions. As we enter into the era of increased competition for scarce health care resources, opportunities to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce expenses will expand. Laboratory medicine specialists possess much needed expertise in data management and quality improvement. Pathologists must now reach beyond their own departments, redefining their mission through a focus on clinical-managerial relationships.