Clinical laboratory procedures performed in physician offices offer timely diagnostics that can improve patient-centered care. To optimize clinical decision-making, tests should be accurate, reliable and readily available to family medicine practices. New laboratory tests should be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) categorization in a timely manner. In addition to more complex testing, CLIA-waived testing supports patient care in physician offices. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) supports the continued development of waived laboratory tests. The AAFP supports appropriate payment of clinical laboratory services performed in physician offices. These physician office laboratories should participate in a recognized laboratory accreditation program and an approved proficiency testing program to ensure the accuracy of diagnostic tests and laboratory results.
(1988) (October 2025 COD)