Effective October 7, 2026, the reflex-to-microscopy criteria for Urinalysis with Microscopy if Indicated (LAB1231026) will be updated. These changes are intended to reduce unnecessary microscopic examinations while ensuring clinically significant findings continue to receive appropriate follow-up testing.
Starting in July 2026, the CDC and public health officials identified a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora, a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness and is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food. Epidemiological data was used to largely associate the outbreak with iceberg lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico.
As of 9/11/2026, the CDC has declared this outbreak to have ended. Please refrain from ordering Cyclospora testing for current patients with community-acquired diarrhea (Cyclospora stain, LAB3245). Testing data of Corewell Health patients showed a significant prevalence of Cyclospora from July through the first week of August as the outbreak came to an end.
For more information, please see updates from the CDC and MDHHS.
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/investigation.html
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks
This monthly bulletin includes updates about insurance payor nuances, diagnosis coding reminders, and other helpful tips and information regarding all things laboratory billing.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your laboratory account manager.
Effective Date: Immediate
Key Update
The laboratory no longer accepts standing orders with a frequency ordered as “PRN,” “As Needed,” or “Indefinite.” Standing orders must include either:
These requirements provide clear guidance to support medical necessity, prevent misuse, and ensure compliance with federal regulations. This guidance aligns with requirements established by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). (Federal Register/Vol. 63, No. 163/Monday, August 24, 1998. 98-22559.pdf)
Since launching in January 2026, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan (DLM) has moved from organizational formation to active implementation. Corewell Health and Quest Diagnostics teams are advancing the facility, technology and operational work needed to support the new laboratory model.
Teams are advancing laboratory information technology, connectivity, interfaces and test-menu alignment. Physicians will continue to place laboratory orders and receive results in the Corewell instance of EPIC. As an organization, Quest is in the process of converting all laboratories from Q-Suite to EPIC Beaker by 2030. At go-live, DLM will also utilize Q-Suite, but will transition to EPIC Beaker along with the rest of Quest Diagnostics’ Greater Midwest Region in the following years. For outreach laboratory orders there will be minimal changes in EPIC functionality and clinical workflows. The physician advisory committee is engaging clinical stakeholders to help design future workflows, training for physicians, and the optimal laboratory service experience. Looking forward, this group will be evaluating differences in views for lab specimen status changes, how cancelled orders are communicated and other anticipated minor workflow changes.
To prepare for delivering high-quality, patient-centered laboratory services, our cross-functional teams are developing:
This work is intended to support safe, reliable laboratory services and continuity of care, creating a sustainable operating model that supports patients, physicians, clinicians and communities across Michigan.
As DLM continues to take shape, the organization will continue advancing its brand identity, mission, vision, and market presence while preparing for future implementation milestones.
DLM has established a phased migration strategy for moving clients, systems and services into the new environment. The phased approach is designed to maintain operational stability and minimize disruption for physicians, clinicians, patients and team members.
Additional communications will be shared in the months ahead to help physicians, clinicians, and team members to provide more visibility into when testing moves into the laboratory and to prepare for upcoming process and workflow changes.
Effective: September 2, 2026
Key update
The Respiratory Pathogen Panel PCR (LAB3359) detects several viral and bacterial pathogens, however, is often overutilized and rarely impacts patient management. To promote evidence-based stewardship, reduce overutilization, and encourage more targeted molecular testing, effective September 2, 2026 clinicians must provide a clinical indication when ordering the Respiratory Pathogen Panel PCR in Epic.
Effective September 1, 2026, patients returning specimens to Corewell Health outpatient laboratory locations will only be able to drop off specimens during the laboratory’s posted business hours.
To ensure appropriate specimen handling, preservation, and timely processing, specimens will not be accepted outside of outpatient laboratory operating hours. Inpatient laboratory staff and laboratory technicians will not accept outpatient specimens after outpatient laboratory services have closed for the day.
