Lab testing is backbone of prevention: ACLA president

Sep 18 2010

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and long-time advocate of prevention, will keynote a National Journal Policy Summit focused on unraveling the complexities of the cost and value of prevention in a post health reform world. The Sept. 21 event is being underwritten by the American Clinical Laboratory Association and its educational arm, Results for Life.

"Laboratory testing is the backbone of prevention, whether it is early detection of disease, helping people manage chronic illness or providing genetic information that helps physicians better target therapies," says Alan Mertz, president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA). "So it is natural that the laboratory community is underwriting this public forum on prevention."

At the summit, a panel of economists and policy experts also will discuss cost savings, CBO scoring, productivity and value issues associated with prevention activities -- an area that has received renewed attention with the allocation of $250 million dedicated for prevention this year under the Affordable Care Act.

"Innovation in genetic and laboratory testing will help us continue to meet the evolving demands of our health care system as it gears up to emphasize wellness and prevention," adds David Mongillo, ACLA's Vice President of Policy and Medical Affairs.  

The National Journal policy summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sept. 21, in the Columbus Club, Union Station, Washington D.C. To RSVP, go to: http://njsummit092110.eventbrite.com/.  A live webcast will be available; for information go to: http://njsummit092110.eventbrite.com/.

SOURCE American Clinical Laboratory Association