PLUGS® (Patient-centered Laboratory Utilization Guidance Services) is a non-profit laboratory stewardship collaboration within Seattle Children’s Hospital Department of Laboratories. Our mission is to improve laboratory test ordering, retrieval, interpretation, and reimbursement.
The value of PLUGS® is the network of experts who make up our membership. See the full list of members.
PLUGS® is leading the following four initiatives
Genetic testing case review to support healthcare systems and insurance payers in effectively administering their genetic testing caseload. GeneTestAdvisor is provided in partnership with Metis Genetics as an additional contracted service.
Insurance Alignment to guide national consensus policies related to laboratory tests and framework and guidance to build partnerships with local payors to improve efficiencies around test review and improve reimbursement outcomes. This will ultimately increase testing approval for patients who meet medical necessity criteria.
Appropriate utilization of clinical laboratory services is important for patient care and requires institutional stewardship. Clinical laboratory stewardship programs are dedicated to improving the ordering, retrieval, and interpretation of appropriate laboratory tests. In addition, these programs focus on developing, maintaining, and improving systems to provide proper financial coverage for medically necessary testing. Overall, clinical laboratory stewardship programs help clinicians improve the quality of patient care while reducing costs to patients, hospitals, and health systems.
Laboratory Stewardship Program, Tools & Education to help hospital laboratories, reference laboratories, and practitioners implement their own laboratory stewardship programs. These programs improve patient safety by reducing errors, and significantly reduce laboratory testing expenses.
View the list of educational webinars we are currently offering
Meet Our Team
Mike Astion, MD, PhD
PLUGS Co-Founder
Medical Director,
Seattle Children’s Dept. of Laboratories
Clinical Professor, University of Washington
Jane Dickerson, PhD
PLUGS Co-Founder, Dir. of Clinical Services
Dir. of Chemistry Lab, Seattle Children’s
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington
Monica Wellner
PLUGS Director of Operations
Laboratory Director, Seattle Children’s
Jessie Conta, MS, LCGC
PLUGS Co-Founder, Dir. of Genetic Counseling Services
Genetic Counselor, Seattle Children’s
Darci Sternen, MS, LCGC
PLUGS Account Manager
Project Manager – Case
Management & Insurance Advocacy
Genetic Counselor, Seattle Children’s
Sarah Clowes Candadai, MS, LCGC
PLUGS Account Manager
Project Manager – Website Development
Genetic Counselor, Seattle Children’s
Cristina Pacheco, MD
PLUGS Consultant
Pathologist, Seattle Children’s
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington
SHANNON STASI, MS, LCGC
PLUGS Account Manager
Project Manager – Communications & Outreach
Genetic Counselor, Seattle Children’s
ALLISON DO
PLUGS Program Coordinator
Bonnie Cole, MD
PLUGS Consultant
Pathologist, Seattle Children’s
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington