PLUGS \u00a0 (Patient-centered Laboratory Utilization Guidance Services) is a non-profit laboratory stewardship organization founded in 2013 with >100 members representing hospitals, health systems, diagnostic companies, patient advocacy groups and payers. Seattle Children\u2019s serves as the quarterback for the network which engages diverse stakeholders focused on improving test stewardship.\u00a0 The mission of PLUGS is to improve laboratory test access, ordering, retrieval, interpretation and reimbursement. PLUGS supports this mission through four main initiatives: tools for program development (including education like the PLUGS Summit), case management, stewardship standards, and insurance alignment efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) is long-time PLUGS member and much of our work at GSF aligns is complementary to PLUGS\u2019s mission. GSF has participated in the annual PLUGS Summit since the inaugural event in June 2015.\u00a0 GSF board member Jessie Conta was at the annual\u00a0PLUGS Summit and participated in two days of engaging conversations and presentations, as well as ample networking.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the highlights from the 2024 PLUGS Summit: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keynote speaker, Luke Ryan, JD, an attorney at the Northampton, Massachusetts law firm of Strehorn, Ryan & Hoose with criminal defense and civil rights litigation experience, explored the risks posed by cognitive and implicit biases in the laboratory setting, highlighting the importance of lab quality through the lens of the Netflix documentary \u201cHow to Fix a Drug Scandal\u201d. <\/li>
Shannon Haymond, PhD, Vice Chair for Computational Pathology at Lurie Children\u2019s Hospital discussed her computational pathology efforts aimed at building the capacity for advanced data analytics. She provided practical examples of how to facilitate data-informed decision making for clinical care, operations and quality assurance.<\/li>
Sara Kim, PhD, Associate Dean for Education Quality Improvement at University of Washington School of Medicine guided the audience in a powerful session exploring strategies for handling interpersonal conflicts with curiosity and courage.<\/li>
Krystal Tsosie, PhD, MPH, MA, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center at Arizona State University, discussed bioethical engagement of Indigenous communities in genomics and data science to build trust and shared her perspective on integrating genomic and data approaches to assess Indigenous variation contributing to health inequities. <\/li>
Kim Foss, MS, CGC described the use of E-consults, a billable communication between providers, to expand genetic services in the primary care setting. A pilot conducted with selected cancer clinics was effective at reducing long wait times and increasing access to genetic testing for patients of all backgrounds.<\/li>
Liz Kearney, MS, CGC hosted a discussion with Haley Streff, MS, CGC, Sarah Arneson, MS, CGC, and Caleb Bupp, MD exploring inpatient genetic test stewardship, including considerations of cost, insurance, review criteria, result follow-up and consent. The panelists provided personal insights and experience in balancing these factors.<\/li>
Lighting Session 1 featured Sanjai Nagendra, MD (Medical Director \u2013 Labcorp) who discussed a reference laboratory perspective on discontinuing the use of clinician-ordered peripheral blood smear review by pathologists; Joely Straseski, PhD (Section Chief of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Director of Endocrinology \u2013 ARUP Laboratories) who explored possible solutions to laboratory-specific challenges faced by transgender individuals when measuring hormones; and Rebecca Wilson (Fellow, University of Washington) who explained how to establish a benchmark for ferritin utilization and MCV assessment.<\/li>
Lightning Session 2 featured Denvir Niles, MD (Associate Director of Microbiology & Virology \u2013 Texas Children\u2019s Hospital) who shared stewardship strategies to support the appropriate use of metagenomic testing in infectious disease testing; April Hall, PhD, MS, CGC (Assistant Professor I Genetic Counselor \u2013 University of Wisconsin-Madison) who described the EPSDT benefit and how it can be used to increase access to genomic testing for children <21 years of age covered by Medicaid; and Lina Waughman (Laboratory Genetic Counseling Assistant \u2013 Seattle Children\u2019s Hospital) who explained how the creation of translated educational materials for saliva and buccal sample collection improves equity in patient access to care. <\/li>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.geneticsupportfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PLUGS1-1024x596.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.geneticsupportfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Plugs2-1024x715.png\")