Digital pathology is rapidly transforming the field of diagnostic medicine, offering laboratories exciting opportunities to enhance workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, and collaboration. While the technology is promising, adopting it requires careful planning and investment to ensure the solution is right for your needs and patient population.
Below, we explore the key considerations for laboratories looking to add digital pathology, including reimbursement, implementation, and other items to keep in mind.
The Evolution of Pathology Imaging
Emily Goulet, Pathology Consultant, Lighthouse
As highlighted during a recent webinar by Lighthouse Pathology Consultant Emily Goulet, Pathology imaging has undergone significant advancements over the years, each building on the last to enhance diagnostic capabilities:
- Gross Imaging: Capturing photographs of specimens to provide a permanent record of their appearance, aiding in communication and documentation of clinical findings.
- Live Slide Viewing (Telepathology): Utilizing remote-controlled microscopes to digitize microscopic images for real-time viewing, particularly useful for interoperative consultations and case reviews.
- Digital Pathology: Today’s pinnacle of pathology imaging, involving the digitization of histology slides using whole-slide scanners to create ultra-high-resolution images that facilitate better diagnostic precision and streamlined workflows.
“These images can be up to 10 gigapixels in size and if you were to print that at the standard DPI resolution, that’s the size of a tennis court,” notes Goulet. “Because of the size, specialized software is necessary to compress the images for viewing.”
Benefits of Digital Pathology
Digital pathology brings numerous advantages that can transform how laboratories operate and deliver care:
- Improved Workflow: Facilitates rapid case tracking, image retrieval, and archiving, allowing pathologists to work more flexibly and efficiently.
- Enhanced Patient Safety: Reduces errors associated with misidentification or transposition in the diagnostic workflow.
- Workforce Optimization: Enables remote work, making it easier to fill pathologist vacancies and improve work-life balance, attracting more professionals to the field.
- Faster and Better Diagnoses: Allows quicker turnaround times for results and enhanced diagnostic confidence through improved collaboration and data sharing.
- Integration of AI: Leverages artificial intelligence for computer-aided diagnosis, automating tedious tasks and improving diagnostic accuracy.
“Right now, the demand for pathology services is growing faster than the number of pathologists available,” Goulet points out. “So, because of the innate flexibility of digital pathology, it should create additional flexibility for pathologists to work from anywhere and fill vacated positions.”
Preparing to Add Digital Pathology
Before diving into digital pathology, laboratories need to consider the following:
Define goals and objectives
Build the right team
Evaluate infrastructure needs
Plan for validation and training
Reimbursement for Digital Pathology
Currently, reimbursement for digital pathology services presents challenges, as many payers do not assign RVUs to the relevant Category 3 CPT codes. Here’s what laboratories should know:
- Current Payment Trends: Some commercial payers reimburse for these codes, typically between $20 and $35 per service.
- Fee-Setting Strategies: Align your fees with the true costs of providing the service to prepare for potential upgrades to Category 1 codes in the future.
- Compliance: Ensure documentation includes the use of digital systems and complies with payer-specific requirements.
“Typically after five years the AMA will convert Category III charge to a Category I code,” says Billie Mildenberger, Director of Audit Services for Lighthouse RCM Solutions. “That’s what we’re hoping for, but it’s still unclear if it’s going to happen at this stage.”
Lighthouse RCM Solutions can assist in navigating these financial complexities, helping you align reimbursement strategies with best practices.
Is Digital Pathology Right for Your Lab?
Adding digital pathology technology is a significant decision that requires careful thought and resources. Beyond return on investment, it’s a commitment to advancing the standard of care in pathology. From defining goals and assembling a team to ensuring compliance and optimizing reimbursement, Lighthouse is here to guide you through each step of the process.
Reach out to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you implement digital pathology compliantly and efficiently. Let us show you how our experts can transform your lab’s capabilities and set a new benchmark for diagnostic excellence.
