An equally important issue is our professional status. Other physicians, as well as non-physician professional groups, are attempting to usurp our authority in the clinical laboratories. Some of this authority had been lost to Ph. Ds years ago. However, in an environment of dwindling resources, challenges to our authority will only intensify.
Constant vigilance is necessary to protect our integrity.
Strength in Numbers First and foremost, being an effective lobby. It is necessary to lobby the insurance carriers for adequate reimbursement levels. It is equally necessary to lobby legislators in Harrisburg for licensing, malpractice, and other issues that affect pathologists. However, for the PAP to be an effective lobby, it must have strength in numbers. Third party payers do not need problems with pathologists that could affect public relations with clients.