Clinical Lab 2.0 represents a fundamental shift in how medical laboratories serve patients and the healthcare system.

The Old Model (Lab 1.0): Laboratories run tests and report numbers. A passive, behind-the-scenes service where the lab functions as specimen processors.

The New Model (Lab 2.0): Laboratories become active diagnostic partners in patient care, interpreting test results in clinical context, identifying care gaps, risk-stratifying patients, and generating actionable insights that prevent disease, improve patient outcomes, and reduce avoidable hospitalizations. This is diagnostic stewardship.

The Clinical Lab 2.0 movement will succeed through strong, coordinated policy advocacy and robust multi-stakeholder coalitions; these are essential to our shared vision.

In this vital session from our Clinical Lab 2.0 2026 Public Workshop, leaders explored how to navigate today’s coverage, reimbursement, and regulatory headwinds so that laboratories can fully transition from commoditized testing to true diagnostic stewardship in value-based care (VBC) and population health.