Wright State Physicians adds clinical laboratory for complex testing for rheumatology practice

William Venanzi, M.D.,

Rheumatology patients can now have complex laboratory testing performed at Wright State Physicians Health Center. By providing laboratory results rapidly at the point of care, patients will receive high quality care and effective treatment without the delays and additional cost of outside laboratory testing.

William Venanzi, M.D., a rheumatologist with 25 years of experience in rheumatology and laboratory medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, led a team of Wright State Physicians staff members in the certification process of the clinical laboratory, which will make health care as seamless and rapid as possible for patients while reducing costs.

The upgraded laboratory certification was needed to perform microscopic evaluation of joint fluid for cellular elements, microscopic examination for crystals and microscopic examination of the urine.

“These procedures are fundamental to the clinical practice of rheumatology and are a required competency for the board-certified rheumatologist,” said Venanzi, the laboratory’s medical director. “They also are required in the teaching curriculum for internal medicine at the Boonshoft School of Medicine.”

The standards for laboratory performance are established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to satisfy requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Quality Control policy. Wright State Physicians Health Center received its certification in January 2015.

“This certificate is a testament to the dedication and competence of the professional staff at the Wright State Physicians Health Center,” said Venanzi, who praised the work of Elizabeth Cates, laboratory technical supervisor, who is responsible for maintaining the laboratory quality control standards, documenting compliance with the laboratory protocols and managing patient care. “In addition to the opportunity this certification allows in the care of patients, it also provides a challenge in maintaining the highest quality of care under the careful watch of the Ohio Department of Health and federal regulations.”

The staff is investigating other areas for which it can expand in-house diagnostic testing as allowed under this high complexity laboratory certificate.

Wright State Physicians Inc. includes more than 160 physicians affiliated with the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. The group provides primary and specialty care in a wide range of specialized diagnostic and treatment services throughout the Dayton region.