What Does a Full-Option Laboratory Information System (LIS) look like
The work of a medical laboratory is very different from, say, a computer company or a delivery service, it's useful to note that many key success factors are common across industries. For example, extremely successful companies such as Apple, FedEx, and Toyota “ belonging to very different industries – all rely on streamlined manufacturing processes, intense focus on supply chains and logistics, rigorous quality assurance protocols, and internal state-of-the-art software systems that automate, integrate, and support these functions. In this context, success factors for medical labs are not much different. The equivalent functions in laboratory information software LIS system would include seamless integration of various modules, automation of the complex laboratory processes, robust interoperability, and a growth-driven pricing model.
In 2021 and beyond, quality-conscious lab managers and owners should be looking for a capable modern laboratory information software that can support and sustain growth in business and thus enhance positive health indicators and revenue. Choosing the best laboratory information software (LIS) based on an operating platform that is flexible and scalable to pivot and evolve with an ever-changing healthcare paradigm. The right software solution will feature configurability, efficiency, interoperability, and transparency built into it as a baseline, not as add-ons.
Configurability:
Gone are the days of the off the shelf solutions, the one-fit for all types of labs and their diverse operations. Today, LIS needs to be tailor-made in congruence with the unique needs of the client lab. Flexibility is another must-have. It needs to have streamlined, automated, digital workflows, with full options of customizing clinical reports along with effortlessly distribution protocols. Equipped with supporting a wide range of customer preferences, the LIS vendor should also demonstrate the domain expertise needed for consistent and timely enhancements and upgrades to the platform. And the LIS should be highly scalable with end-to-end solutions providing all the supporting modules a lab needs.
Efficiency:
The LIS solution must meet today's increasing demand for more tests by increasing productivity via optimizing efficiency. The way to do it is to automate tedious manual processes and streamline lab workflows. The efficient LIS such as that provided by Ligolab significantly reduces sample preparation and turnaround time. It also drastically limits the loss and mislabeling of samples. The user-friendly LIS is based on a logic-based platform minimizing clicks. Armed with a robust tracking system providing end-to-end coverage of the entire operation sequence of the lab, it enhances quality control by minimizing errors.
Interoperability:
One of the core features of a quality LIS is interoperability, which means that it is modeled on an open architecture with a powerful interface engine. This combination enables it to seamlessly connect with any EHR, physician EMR, instrument, or middleware, and also capable of integration with state registries for the purposes of quality and compliance.
Transparency:
The rules of business have changed for laboratories. The healthcare system is pivoting from fee-for-service towards care-based models. Lower reimbursements and high deductibles make it imperative that labs find innovative ways to collect revenue. Bad debt and rejected claims are no-go areas for doing business. To avoid the same, automated operating platforms must be able to retrieve accurate patient demographic as well as eligibility and insurance status, in real-time on the front end; they must also be able to help track and collect all balances.
Taopatch:
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Upgrading LIS has its own set of challenges:
Growth requires labs to invest in the up-gradation of their LISs and related software to modern and comprehensive solutions. These upgrades can be costly which discourages lab owners to invest. Another worry on the minds of lab managers is disruptions in lab operations during the process. Fortunately, there are software solutions in the market available today that neither requires large, upfront capital investments nor exorbitant licensing fees. This unique model uses a lab's work volume to estimate the cost per test in such a way that the said cost falls as the lab's work volume increases.
The risk of disruption of lab operations can be addressed by a methodical, step-by-step implementation plan. Streamlined replacing and importing of data from various platforms, along with the migration of all existing interfaces are being offered with select LISs today.
Conclusion
Finding the right LIS can be a cumbersome and time-consuming endeavor. However, lab managers who do their due diligence, will be rewarded with solutions that boost system efficiency and productivity, and tremendous growth potential “ all with complete transparency and control.