Six Experts Discuss the State of Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems

The February 2023 issue of CAP Today featured publisher Bob McGonnagle and his roundtable discussion with five laboratory information system vendors and John Sinard, MD, PhD, or Yale School of Medicine. 

For those who may have missed the discussion, below is a link for full access. 

CAP Today Roundtable: Doing more for less and with less: Turning to IT

A wide range of topics were discussed, including the future of cloud-based laboratory information systems and what anatomic pathology LIS organizations should consider about security and data storage before potentially moving away from an on-premises LIS software server.

Learn More: LigoLab’s LIS Software Offers Server Flexibility

Weighing Lab Information System Server Options

LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian participated in the discussion. He said it will take considerable time for larger laboratories to fully shift toward having their laboratory information system functions and data stored in the cloud because they are more comfortable with the data being close to them. 

For smaller organizations, a cloud-based server supporting LIS system software is often the more prudent choice because of the significant cost of building an in-house data center and an IT department to manage it. In the near term, Avunjian believes that LigoLab and other like-minded healthcare LIS companies should continue to offer both options to their customer bases. 

Learn More: Automation in Pathology Labs Using Advanced LIS System Software

The Future of Pathology Lab Software Post-Pandemic 

The six industry experts were also asked to assess the overall health of pathology practices and molecular laboratories as they move past the high-volume COVID testing that was a part of every day during the pandemic. 

The panel noted rising anatomic pathology testing volumes and sustained interest in molecular testing beyond COVID. Consolidation in the laboratory space was also discussed, along with greater interest in revenue-sharing programs like TC/PC splits (where the technical and professional components are shared between two labs). 

Learn More: A Scalable Solution for Molecular LIS Testing Labs

Other topics included the shortage of pathologists and the desire for them to have LIS laboratory information system software built specifically for AP and AP sub-specialties (meaning anatomic pathology LIS and anatomical pathology software specifically designed for their AP practices). 

Learn More: LIS Webinar Recap - How to Beat Pathologist Burnout and Combat Staffing Shortages

Pathology Software, Interoperability, and Digital Pathology Solutions

Avunjian was also asked to comment on application programming interfaces. He said there’s been a noticeable uptick in the past couple of years with prospects and current customers asking for open APIs and moving away from only reporting results via HL7. He said this trend will continue to grow and that companies like LigoLab need to continue to be examples of laboratory information systems that can model the reality of each testing discipline and offer LIS systems that can seamlessly connect to all of a lab’s departments.

Dr. Sinard followed by commenting on the training of pathologists and pathology informaticians. Next, the discussion turned to digital pathology. The new CPT codes associated with this laboratory workflow management process were also discussed. 

Learn More: Digital Pathology: The Future is Here

Predicting the Next Trends in Pathology Lab Software

McGonnagle closed the roundtable discussion by asking all six panelists if pathology departments would be in better or worse shape in three years. 

All six struck an optimistic tone, with Avunjian, in particular, suggesting that future pathology labs will find success by being able to differentiate in their respective marketplaces thanks to strong partnerships with pathology lab software providers that continue to push the envelope in terms of features and functionality available within modern LIS pathology systems.

Learn More: The Role of Anatomic Pathology Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management

Learning More About the State of the LIS System Market

For pathology lab management colleagues interested in learning more about what a modern LIS laboratory information system like the LigoLab Informatics Platform can offer, check out these related links with helpful information. 

Not All LIS Systems Are Created Equally

Comparing the LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software

Digital Pathology: The Future is Here

How LigoLab LIS Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences

Modernizing Medical Labs: The LigoLab Approach to Innovation

“Today’s medical labs must embrace modern technologies and best practices to boost productivity, streamline operations, enhance customer relationships, and maximize value.”
— Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO

Defining Innovation

The term “innovation” has been so overused by some laboratory Information system companies that it’s become a buzzword devoid of real substance. Yet, truly innovative technology is exactly what the medical community, especially clinical labs and pathology groups, urgently needs. 

Labs face serious external threats, including record-high sample volumes, reimbursement cuts, complex payer rules, increased competition, rising supply costs, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

LigoLab’s Foundational Vision for Pathology Lab Software

LigoLab was founded in 2006 to address these challenges with an unwavering commitment to innovation and customer partnership. This focus emerged from the founders' experiences in scaling a successful lab, which eventually became the largest privately held lab in California. 

They launched LigoLab as a customer-funded venture, allowing the company to prioritize client needs over shareholder interests. This unconventional approach gave LigoLab the flexibility to innovate continuously without external investor pressures.

Learn More: Shaping the Future of Clinical Labs & Pathology Groups

Commitment to Continuous LIS Software Innovation

“Investing over 50 percent of revenue into research and development is how we stay at the forefront,” said Avunjian. LigoLab releases three to four new features daily, ensuring labs have the tools to adapt to ever-changing environments. 

This relentless focus on customer needs helps labs improve functionality, automation, tracking, and scalability - setting them apart from those using outdated LIS systems.

Free LIS System Updates and Dedicated Support

Since its inception, LigoLab has offered free LIS software upgrades with unlimited modules and user access, eliminating hidden fees. The updates are available through a user-friendly version release button embedded within the platform. Labs can choose whether to adopt quarterly updates, with mandatory upgrades only after two years to maintain compliance.

Updates are scheduled overnight to avoid disrupting lab operations, and LigoLab provides free modifications to meet compliance requirements. 

This commitment extends to creative problem-solving, enabling labs to optimize their operations and stand out in the competitive healthcare landscape.

Utilizing Three Dedicated Environments

LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS and laboratory billing platform includes three environments - Testing, Training, and Production - to ensure smooth, validated updates. 

New features are first rolled out in the Testing environment, then transferred to Training for customer validation, before finally being deployed to Production. 

This rigorous process guarantees that new laboratory information system functions are reliable and ready for real-world use.

Setting the Standard in LIS Systems

LigoLab’s focus on customer-centric pathology lab software innovation has set new standards for medical LIS and laboratory billing software (lab revenue cycle management software, laboratory billing solutions). 

By prioritizing customer needs and fostering strong partnerships, LigoLab continues to transform traditional lab practices, enabling modern labs to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape.

“Innovation means reimagining lab operations to meet current challenges and future needs,” Avunjian emphasized. For LigoLab, this is more than a slogan - it’s a mission to drive meaningful change in the lab industry.