Case Study
ECPC's Success Story: Tripling Productivity & Boosting Net Collections by 35% with LigoLab Informatics Platform
August 30, 2024
Introduction
Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) is a leading provider of pathology services, laboratory management, and advanced diagnostic testing for hospitals, physicians, and patients across southern New England.
While ECPC had been operating successfully without a practice-owned laboratory information system (LIS system; medical LIS) for years, the company recently identified the need to implement one to enhance lab operations and scale its business.
ECPC had three main objectives that it wanted to achieve by acquiring a modern lab information system/anatomic pathology software:
Streamlining Operations
An efficient anatomic pathology LIS would help ECPC streamline its lab workflow, reduce errors, and increase the overall efficiency of its laboratory processes. This would enable the company to continue delivering high-quality lab services to its clients while improving productivity.
Facilitating Business Growth
By implementing a new pathology software, ECPC aimed to accommodate rapid business growth and easily onboard new clients. The modern LIS system had to be scalable and adaptable to support the company's expansion of service offerings and client base.
Maintaining High Standards of Service Quality
ECPC prides itself on providing exceptional service to its clients. Therefore, it was essential for the company to find laboratory information system software that would support its growth and sustain the quality of service that its clients have come to expect.
In December 2019, ECPC began a search for the LIS system software solution that would address these objectives and help propel the company to new heights.
Learn More: How Laboratory Information System Software Helps Medical Labs Offer Flawless Service
LigoLab Information Systems: A Comprehensive & Adaptable LIS Software Partner
While pursuing LIS software vendors that could support their business growth and streamline operations, ECPC discovered LigoLab Information Systems, a pathology lab software company offering comprehensive, interoperable, and scalable LIS pathology solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
“Each lab has unique workflows and needs, so finding a comprehensive laboratory information system that could be easily customized was a top priority. The LIS system also had to be able to grow with us and evolve as the needs of our lab partners changed over time.”
-Kristen Conley, ECPC’s Chief Information Officer
In-Depth LIS System Vendor Vetting and the Selection Process
Kristen Conley, ECPC's Chief Information Officer, spearheaded an extensive evaluation process of laboratory information system companies, assessing various LIS lab vendors based on their ability to meet ECPC's unique requirements. The selection process prioritized:
- Customization options for unique lab workflow
- Interoperability with existing laboratory software systems
- Scalability to support business growth
- Quality of technical support and customer service
After a thorough evaluation, ECPC chose LigoLab Information Systems as their LIS company due to their robust and adaptable LIS software solution.
A Comprehensive LIS System Solution for ECPC's Diverse Needs
LigoLab emerged as the best LIS software match for ECPC, offering a versatile informatics platform with advanced features designed to optimize laboratory operations and support business expansion.
“One thing that makes the LigoLab platform such a good product for us is its agility. The LIS system is extremely responsive and easy to work within, and if assistance is needed, the support team at LigoLab is always there to help. It truly is a great partnership.”
-Kristen Conley, ECPC’s Chief Information Officer
Customizable LIS Lab Workflow & Reporting
LigoLab enables ECPC to tailor the LIS system to the specific needs of each of its lab clients, ensuring that unique lab workflow and reporting requirements are met. This level of customization allows ECPC to offer a higher standard of service to clients.
Learn More: How LigoLab's Pathology Lab Software Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences
Seamless LIS Software Integration & Interoperability
LigoLab can easily integrate with existing laboratory software systems, reducing disruptions and enhancing overall efficiency. The LIS system's interoperability ensures seamless communication between various software and hardware components in ECPC's operations.
Lab Information System Scalability for Business Growth
LigoLab is designed to support ECPC's ambitious growth plans by offering a scalable lab information system that can easily accommodate new clients, expand service offerings, and adapt to changing industry demands.
Responsive LIS Software Support & Collaboration
LigoLab's dedication to customer success extends beyond its LIS software solution. The company's responsive technical support and commitment to working collaboratively with ECPC have fostered a strong partnership that further enhances the value of its LIS pathology platform.
Successful LIS System Implementations & Expansion
ECPC has experienced considerable growth and expansion, fueled by LigoLab’s modern, robust, and adaptable laboratory information system functions.
Expansion into UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital: Building Strong Healthcare Partnerships
In the spring of 2020, ECPC expanded its operations into UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital. This new LIS pathology partnership aligned with ECPC's goal of working with a broader range of healthcare providers.
During the expansion, the customizability and interoperability offered by LigoLab’s LIS system were vital in ensuring smooth integration with the hospital's existing laboratory software systems, streamlining operations, and ultimately delivering exceptional quality of service.
Onboarding New Independent Laboratory Clients: Rapid Adaptation & Scalability
The flexibility and responsiveness of LigoLab’s lab information system empowered ECPC to successfully onboard two new independent laboratory clients within just 60 days. The rapid implementation highlights the platform's ability to adapt to new business needs and support ECPC's growth trajectory.
Tackling Unique Client Requirements: Versatility in Action
The onboarding process for the two new clients presented unique challenges. One required a simple, non-automated implementation, while the other demanded a more intricate lab workflow and multiple interfaces.
Despite these differences, LigoLab’s LIS system software allowed ECPC to cater to each client's unique requirements, efficiently managing the onboarding process and delivering tailored solutions.
Launching a Specialty Division for Dermatological Practices: Expanding Service Offerings
Harnessing LigoLab's advanced laboratory information system software technology, ECPC launched a specialty division dedicated to supporting new dermatological practices.
This expansion increased the company's service offerings and broadened its client base, further driving growth and solidifying its position in the market.
“After introducing our expanded dermatological division we were inundated with new implementations. We created all the builds and multiple interfaces in a short time with LigoLab’s LIS lab solutions. All our dermatological clients successfully launched in less than 60 days.”
-Kristen Conley, ECPC’s Chief Information Officer
Measurable Results & Benefits: Quantifying the Impact of LigoLab Partnership
ECPC's partnership with LigoLab has yielded significant measurable results and benefits, reflecting the company's efficacy in driving growth and optimizing operations.
These improvements have strengthened ECPC's position in the market and enabled the thriving pathology group to scale its services and offerings.
“Before our first LigoLab implementation, we were at the mercy of legacy LIS systems that were extremely limiting and rigid. Because of this, our growth potential was restricted. But with LigoLab, our growth potential is almost limitless.”
-Kristen Conley, ECPC’s Chief Information Officer
Key Growth Metrics: A Snapshot of ECPC's Success
Since partnering with LigoLab, ECPC has experienced remarkable progress in several crucial areas:
- Net Collections: A 35% average increase across all specialties, showcasing improved revenue generation.
- Test Volume: A 31% overall increase, indicating higher demand for ECPC's services.
- Turnaround Times: Efficient test result delivery within two working days for 98% of cases, maintaining high-quality service standards.
- Staff Numbers: The addition of six pathologists (increasing the total to 17) to support the growing demand for their services.
- Client Count: Nearly tripling since 2020, demonstrating the lab's ability to attract and onboard new clients with its new LIS system.
- Service Offerings: Expansion into dermatological practices, diversifying ECPC's scope of services.
Additional Benefits: Enhancing Operations & Reducing Risks
According to Rebecca DiIorio, Executive Director at ECPC, LigoLab excels because the lab information system can be quickly customized to fit any situation.
Beyond the growth metrics, ECPC's partnership with LigoLab has resulted in numerous operational benefits:
- Reduced Errors and Compliance Risk: Streamlined processes and improved LIS system reliability to ensure accuracy and adherence to industry regulations.
- Integrated and Customizable Reports: LigoLab's informatics platform allows ECPC to tailor reports to match client preferences and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Increased Interoperability: Seamless integration with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and lab instruments, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Streamlined Lab Workflow: LIS System automation and the utilization of configurable rules to simplify lab workflow, increasing productivity and reducing manual intervention.
These benefits have contributed to ECPC consistently outperforming industry standards across most metrics, reinforcing the value of its partnership with LigoLab.
Unlocking Scalability & Growth Potential: Embracing the Future with LigoLab
ECPC's collaboration with LigoLab has empowered the practice to unlock its growth potential and overcome the limitations of legacy LIS systems. By leveraging the LigoLab platform, ECPC can scale and grow its practice more effectively.
DiIorio attributes much of the pathology group’s success to LigoLab’s rapid customization capabilities and understanding of what a modern lab needs to thrive.
“LigoLab understands the dynamics that modern labs face. The team works hand-in-hand to provide the LIS software solutions that create market differentiation, giving us the functionality and support needed to expand services and acquire new business.”
-Rebecca DiIorio, Executive Director at ECPC
The LigoLab team collaborates closely with ECPC, delivering tailored laboratory information system software solutions that provide the functionality and support necessary to expand services and secure new business opportunities.
Moving Forward: Embracing Future Opportunities with Confidence
The flourishing partnership between ECPC and LigoLab Information Systems has brought remarkable benefits, enabling ECPC to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
By selecting a flexible, customizable, and scalable laboratory information system, ECPC has positioned itself for sustained success and the capacity to adapt to the dynamic healthcare industry.
Key Takeaways: The Impact of the ECPC-LigoLab Alliance
- Increased Productivity: Features and capabilities within the LigoLab Informatics Platform have enhanced the efficiency of ECPC's operations.
- Expanded Service Offerings: ECPC has diversified its services, extending its reach into new markets such as dermatological practices.
- Impressive Growth Metrics: The partnership has driven significant improvements across crucial growth indicators, demonstrating its tangible impact on ECPC's success.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, ECPC's strategic alliance with LigoLab positions the company to tackle new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
“With LigoLab as a partner, we consistently outperform the industry standard across most metrics. Our ability to scale and grow our practice has greatly improved.”
-Rebecca DiIorio, Executive Director at ECPC
See Why Growing Medical Labs Choose LigoLab
LigoLab offers a comprehensive and adaptable lab information system software specifically designed for pathology groups with aggressive growth plans.
The LigoLab platform provides a cost-effective and robust Lab management solution, supporting growth with automation, extensive reporting, and analytics.
To learn more about the platform’s features and pricing, interested parties are encouraged to contact a LigoLab product specialist.
