But physicians who have labs say the regulations are not all that burdensome. If you're a small practice, one option is to hire a qualified medical technologist as a consultant to set up a CLIA compliance manual and related procedures, get the lab running and help train your own laboratory person. After a few months, your inside lab person should be able to run the lab. At that point, you can use the medical technologist as needed to address specific questions or to come in periodically to ensure all requirements are being met. You can find certified medical technologists at your local hospital who moonlight as consultants.
Experts also say that compliance costs are relatively low.
He said the figure includes CLIA fees, proficiency testing fees, inspection fees and staff time. Cheaper alternatives, however, are on the market. Another option is to purchase used equipment. Mr. Gill said that he only installs refurbished analyzers that come with the same one-year warranty he could get on a new one. In analyzing which machine will best meet the needs of your practice, look beyond the machine's price tag.