Power Shifts: AI, Joint Ventures & the New Healthcare Order

Episode Overview In this episode of LabReflex, Dr. Chris Zahner covers several key developments shaping clinical laboratories and healthcare in early 2026. The discussion begins with a brief update on the status of the RESULTS Act and what laboratory leaders should be watching next. From there, the episode explores the launch of ChatGPT Health and what expanding use of generative AI could mean for healthcare decision-making. The conversation then turns to recent diagnostic joint ventures and partnerships, before closing with a set of quick housekeeping updates and notable industry headlines. Segment 1: RESULTS Act — Where Things Stand The episode opens with a concise update on the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act. Chris reviews where the legislation currently stands in Congress, why timing matters heading into 2026, and how laboratories should be thinking about reimbursement planning while the bill remains unresolved. Rather than revisiting the full history of PAMA, the focus is on near-term implications and financial preparedness. Key points discussed include the current protection of Medicare laboratory payment rates, the possibility of future reductions under existing law, and the importance of conservative financial planning while legislative outcomes remain uncertain. Segment 2: ChatGPT Health and AI in Healthcare Chris then discusses the launch of ChatGPT Health from OpenAI and places it in the broader context of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The conversation examines what differentiates a health-focused AI deployment from general consumer tools, how patients are already using AI to interpret symptoms and lab results, and why this trend matters for clinicians and laboratories. The focus is not on technical details, but on how AI is increasingly influencing healthcare decisions upstream of testing and care delivery, shaping patient expectations and clinical workflows. Segment 3: Joint Ventures and Diagnostic Partnerships The episode next turns to recent joint ventures and partnerships in diagnostics, including health system collaborations with large laboratory organizations such as Quest Diagnostics. Chris explains why these arrangements differ from traditional outsourcing and what they signal about how health systems are thinking about laboratory operations, scale, and long-term cost management. The discussion highlights how shared-ownership models can affect governance, operational control, and the future role of hospital-based laboratories within larger networks. Segment 4: Housekeeping and Industry Updates The episode concludes with several brief updates on recent hospital closures, service line changes, and other operational developments affecting healthcare systems. Chris discusses why these events matter for laboratory access, specimen flow, and diagnostic continuity, particularly in smaller or rural communities.

Episode Overview

In this episode of LabReflex, Dr. Chris Zahner covers several key developments shaping clinical laboratories and healthcare in early 2026. The discussion begins with a brief update on the status of the RESULTS Act and what laboratory leaders should be watching next. From there, the episode explores the launch of ChatGPT Health and what expanding use of generative AI could mean for healthcare decision-making. The conversation then turns to recent diagnostic joint ventures and partnerships, before closing with a set of quick housekeeping updates and notable industry headlines.

Segment 1: RESULTS Act — Where Things Stand

The episode opens with a concise update on the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act. Chris reviews where the legislation currently stands in Congress, why timing matters heading into 2026, and how laboratories should be thinking about reimbursement planning while the bill remains unresolved. Rather than revisiting the full history of PAMA, the focus is on near-term implications and financial preparedness.

Key points discussed include the current protection of Medicare laboratory payment rates, the possibility of future reductions under existing law, and the importance of conservative financial planning while legislative outcomes remain uncertain.

Segment 2: ChatGPT Health and AI in Healthcare

Chris then discusses the launch of ChatGPT Health from OpenAI and places it in the broader context of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The conversation examines what differentiates a health-focused AI deployment from general consumer tools, how patients are already using AI to interpret symptoms and lab results, and why this trend matters for clinicians and laboratories.

The focus is not on technical details, but on how AI is increasingly influencing healthcare decisions upstream of testing and care delivery, shaping patient expectations and clinical workflows.

Segment 3: Joint Ventures and Diagnostic Partnerships

The episode next turns to recent joint ventures and partnerships in diagnostics, including health system collaborations with large laboratory organizations such as Quest Diagnostics. Chris explains why these arrangements differ from traditional outsourcing and what they signal about how health systems are thinking about laboratory operations, scale, and long-term cost management.

The discussion highlights how shared-ownership models can affect governance, operational control, and the future role of hospital-based laboratories within larger networks.

Segment 4: Housekeeping and Industry Updates

The episode concludes with several brief updates on recent hospital closures, service line changes, and other operational developments affecting healthcare systems. Chris discusses why these events matter for laboratory access, specimen flow, and diagnostic continuity, particularly in smaller or rural communities.