Lessons Learned and What Comes Next in Improving Patient Outcomes and Cost of Care

Opioid overuse and addiction continue to contribute significantly to health issues of the nations population and to the increased cost of healthcare, making it even more vital for providers to optimally prescribe for and monitor, in the safest manner, their patients using opioid drugs.The role of clinical laboratories in developing improvements within the continuum of care for this national health crisis is key. The lab can serve a facilitative and collaborative role by helping providers better understand drug test ordering and correct interpretation, and can add tangible value by simplifying and automating delivery of straightforward and actionable information to providers.