Why Laboratory Diagnostics?

Roundabout 60 per cent of the diagnoses in German doctor's offices are laboratory-supported. The laboratory share of statutory health insurance expenses, however, is constantly under 2.5 per cent.

At the same time, the majority of examinations recommended in guidelines is not yet being commissioned. Here are the opportunities for savings in the healthcare system – and for enhancing the profile of the medical practice:

• Diseases that do not develop, or are detected at an early stage, are a relief for the system.
• Carefully determined measurement results build confidence. A laboratory-analysed result is rightly considered as a quasi-objective value, as irrevocable evidence.

More diagnostics altogether – not only from the laboratory – puts findings on a sounder basis and strengthens the early detection of widespread diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. Secondary prevention with diagnostic tests and predictive values has proven to be effective. An example would be the detection of HP viruses in the prevention of cervical carcinoma. Or the determination of the NT-proBNP biomarker as a simple way to examine patients who are suspected to suffer from cardiac insufficiency.

synlab started at an early stage to offer preventive medical services and to support our client colleagues in their development to becoming "physicians as health advisors".