Collaborative strategies for survival.

Pathology and laboratory medicine face major challenges, including multiplying government regulations, increasing competition, decreasing reimbursement, and loss of directorial control. Other industries facing similar threats have found solutions in a variety of collaborative strategies. Several examples of laboratory collaboration and a template for evaluation of potential joint operations are presented. Successful strategies will make it easier to handle meddlesome regulations, increase productivity and decrease costs, allow pathologists to retain control, and make the laboratory more profitable and competitive.