Influenza prevalence fluctuates seasonally with the onset of “flu season” typically beginning its upswing in the month of December. It is important for providers to have an awareness of influenza prevalence (in addition to other respiratory viruses) to help guide when influenza testing should be pursued.
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Laboratory Services
General Information, West Michigan
Update: Laboratory Requisition Shipping Timeline – Please Plan Ahead
We want to share an important update regarding the shipping timeline for requisition orders.
As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve service delivery, Corewell Health has transitioned to a new external printing vendor for requisition materials. While this change supports long-term efficiency, it does come with a temporary adjustment in turnaround time.
Requisition shipments will now take up to 12 business days to arrive, which is a longer timeframe than previously experienced.
To help ensure your office remains fully stocked and avoids any supply interruptions, we recommend placing orders at least three weeks in advance of running out of requisitions.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we adapt to this new process. If you have any questions or need support with ordering, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued partnership!
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health Laboratories in Southwest and West Michigan. For Laboratories in Southeast Michigan, please visit:corewellhealth.org/labcatalog and navigate to the Southeast Michigan site.
Referral/Sendouts, Southeast Michigan, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan
Primary Reference Lab Change to Quest Diagnostics
Effective November 19, 2025
Corewell Health Laboratory is transitioning to Quest Diagnostics as our primary reference testing laboratory. This change means that nearly all referral and send-out tests will now be performed by Quest Diagnostics. A limited number of tests will continue to be sent to other laboratories to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and clinicians.
What You Need to Know:
- Test Crosswalks: Tests currently performed at ARUP and Mayo Clinic Labs will be matched to comparable tests at Quest Diagnostics.
- Discontinued Tests: Tests with low utilization or those no longer deemed clinically necessary will be discontinued.
- New LAB Numbers: All tests will receive new LAB numbers, which must be updated in your EMR compendium if interfaced.
- Collection Devices: Some tests may require different collection devices.
- Transition Timeline:
- November 19, 2025: Focus on tests currently referred to ARUP.
- December 17, 2025: Focus on tests currently referred to Mayo Clinic Labs.
- Crosswalk Resources: Crosswalks between current and future test offerings will be provided to help you prepare.
- Test Directory Access: Please refer to your regional Lab Test Directory for details on specific test changes. ARUP and Mayo Clinic Lab test pages will include links to the corresponding Quest Diagnostic tests.
We understand the significance of these changes and are committed to supporting your practice throughout this transition. Updates and modifications will be communicated promptly.
Contact Information:
- Corewell Health East Sendouts: 248.551.9045
- Corewell Health West Referrals: 616.267.2753
- Or use the Contact Us link above.
Emergency, Inpatient, Test Utilization, West Michigan
Hypercoagulation/Thrombophilia Tests No Longer Available for Adult Emergency Room (ED) and Inpatient
Effective 10/29/2025, hypercoagulation/thrombophilia test ordering will no longer be available in the adult inpatient and emergency department settings at Corewell Health West.
This change aligns the hospital system with the American Society of Hematology Choosing Wisely initiative. This will decrease unnecessary costly testing in the inpatient setting and help to prevent inappropriate diagnoses.
This monthly bulletin includes updates about insurance payor nuances, diagnosis coding reminders, and other helpful tips and information regarding all things laboratory billing.
Lab Billing Brief-Serum Iron Studies
If you have any questions, please reach out to your laboratory account manager.
Test Utilization, West Michigan
Improving Lupus Testing Accuracy: New Protocol Launching October 10, 2025
Effective October 10, 2025, Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West will implement an updated protocol for the Lupus Screen (LAB478). This change is designed to improve diagnostic accuracy for patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy, where false-positive or false-negative results can complicate clinical decision-making.
General Information, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan
Temporary Disruption in Requisition Printing – October 15 to November 3
Due to a vendor transition for printing services at Corewell Health Laboratories Southwest and West, there will be a temporary pause in printing paper requisitions and forms.
Disruption Dates:
October 15 – November 3, 2025
What You Need to Know:
- No requisitions or forms will be printed or distributed during this time.
- If you anticipate needing paper requisitions or forms, please email CHWLabServices@corewellhealth.org by October 14 to place an advance order.
- Orders received during the disruption period will be held and processed on November 3, once printing resumes.
We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Compliance & Safety, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan
Lab Catalog URL Update – Action Required by December 31, 2025
Effective December 31, 2025, the URL corewellhealth.testcatalog.org will be discontinued.
There will be no automatic redirect to the new site.
To avoid disruption of service, please update your saved links or browser favorites for the Lab Catalog (also known as the Lab Test Directory) to:
👉 corewellhealth.org/labcatalog
This landing page allows you to select the appropriate region for you or your patient’s specimen and will always direct you to the most up-to-date catalog URL for your area.
✅ Update your bookmarks today to ensure uninterrupted access to lab testing information.
This monthly bulletin includes updates about insurance payor nuances, diagnosis coding reminders, and other helpful tips and information regarding all things laboratory billing.
Lab Billing Brief: Testosterone Testing
If you have any questions, please reach out to your laboratory account manager.