Policy Shifts Are Coming for Labs. Here's How to Stay Ahead

In a recent blog, we focused on what’s happening inside the lab—inefficiencies, underused tools, and the need to stop flying blind. But the road ahead for anatomic pathology labs isn’t just bumpy because of internal blind spots. The external landscape is shifting fast, and the labs that thrive will be the ones that prepare now.

The July issue of Laboratory Economics outlines some of the biggest threats—and opportunities—on the horizon. From federal Medicaid cuts to Medicare payment uncertainty and rising payer scrutiny, it’s clear that the pressure is mounting.

Read on to see what’s changing and how Voicebrook can help you navigate the bumps in the road.

Medicaid Cuts Are Coming. Be Ready Before 2027.

The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” will slash Medicaid spending by over $1 trillion over the next decade. Most of the impact begins in 2027, and while much of the attention is on clinical labs, anatomic pathology labs are not immune.

Pathology groups that support hospitals, nursing homes, or addiction treatment centers may see a drop in case volume or delayed reimbursement, especially as Medicaid eligibility narrows and managed care plans look to cut costs.

Now is the time to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and ensure every report is completed faster and more accurately.

VoiceOver PRO helps pathology teams increase efficiency now, before the impact hits.

PAMA Cuts Are Back on the Table. You Can’t Wait for a Fix.

Unless Congress intervenes, Medicare reimbursement cuts under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) are set to resume in 2026. These cuts are based on private-payer lab rates and primarily affect services reimbursed under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS), including many of the technical components of pathology testing.

While industry groups are actively advocating for a legislative fix, there is no guarantee of success. Even if relief is granted, pathology labs will continue to face pressure to operate under tighter reimbursement conditions.

Voicebrook helps labs do more with less by improving speed, quality, and scalability:

• Structured templates and speech-driven tools reduce time spent on each report
• Built-in CAP eCP support ensures compliance and accuracy without added effort
• Real-time documentation eliminates backlogs and reduces reliance on transcription

Whether or not the cuts move forward, improving efficiency is essential to maintaining a strong bottom line. We help you stay prepared.

Private Payers Are Watching Prices. You Need to Stand Out.

Recent data from Avalon highlights a growing concern. Hospital labs are billing significantly more than independent labs for the same tests. As payers look to control costs, all labs, including pathology, will face greater scrutiny.

Labs that can demonstrate consistency, efficiency, and high-quality reporting will be in a stronger position to maintain reimbursement and secure long-term contracts.

VoiceOver PRO helps pathology labs stand out by:

• Enabling faster, speech-driven reporting that reduces manual effort
• Standardizing templates to minimize variation across users and sites
• Ensuring reports are complete, standardized, and aligned with CAP protocols, making it easier to support compliance reviews and quality assurance efforts

When payers evaluate value, they look beyond cost. They look for reliability, consistency, and quality. VoiceOver PRO helps you deliver all three.

Lab Volumes Are Rising in High-Growth Areas. Are You Ready to Scale?

Florida leads the nation in population growth, with 12 of the top 25 fastest-growing metro areas. That translates to more demand—but also more competition.

Labs that can’t scale quickly will miss out on growth, but VoiceOver PRO is designed to grow with you:

• Onboard new users faster
• Standardize templates and workflows
• Customize workflows to meet each customer's unique needs

The Bottom Line: Prepare Now or Risk Falling Behind

The lab industry isn’t just evolving; it is being reshaped by policy, payer pressure, and shifting demographics. Labs that wait for certainty will find themselves behind.

If you're already working to optimize your operations, don't stop. The next step is preparing for what's coming before it arrives. Voicebrook is here and ready to help you stay efficient, compliant, and resilient in the face of change.