We have planned a year full of exciting and informative issues. We start this month with an industry overview entitled “Washington Watch” (page 30). This new feature, by contributing writer Nicholas Borgert, reviews recent rulings affecting clinical laboratory testing and it looks at a new bill that, if passed, would offer incentives to attract students to careers in clinical laboratories. The new bill was originally sponsored by Representatives John Shimkus (R-Ill), Jesse Jackson, Jr, (D-Ill), and Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla). Under the proposed law (HR 623), the government would fund educational grants for students in medical

technology programs in return for service after graduation. Positions covered by the funding would include medical technologists, cytotechnologists, histotechnologists, phlebotomists, and medical-lab technicians.

While we’re watching Washington, we’ll keep you posted in future issues on what’s happening with HR 883, the Medical Laboratory Services Access Act of 2003. This bill introduced by Phil English (R-Pa) and Peter Deutsch (D-Fla) would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the fee for collecting blood and other specimens for clinical diagnostic tests under the Medicare Program. While the costs of providing this service have risen, specimen collection reimbursement has been $3.00 for nearly 20 years.

Throughout the year, you’ll see other new features: a focus on safety, a guest editorial column, and an interview entitled “Inside Track” that profiles a forward-looking company in the clinical diagnostics industry.

Plans for the entire year are in place, but that does not mean it is too late for you to provide input for upcoming articles. Call, fax, or email me your story ideas. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2004!

Carol Andrews
Editor
candrews@medpubs.com