If so, this likely would force even more physicians to stop performing the simple laboratory testing they have been safely and efficiently performing for the last five years. The seventy five thousand physician office laboratories that confine their laboratory testing to the waived and microscopy categories provide an important and essential service to their patients. Through the use of waived laboratory testing physicians are able to quickly and safely perform these simple tests with immediate results that improve the quality of care.
Physicians are thus able to initiate immediate medical treatment and begin appropriate medications.
Accordingly, we strongly urge the FDA to retain the current definition of waiver. Copyright 1995-2001 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.