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What To Do When Your Laboratory Information System Is Sunsetting

What To Do When Your Laboratory Information System Is Sunsetting

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Oracle, best known for its cloud applications and cloud platform services, announced in December 2021 that it had entered the health information software technology space with the $28 billion acquisition of Cerner Corporation

Oracle closed the deal to gain valuable access to patient and healthcare data stored within the Cerner Millennium laboratory information system (LIS system) and CoPathPlus, Cerner’s anatomic pathology LIS

Factor in the fast-approaching planned sunsetting of CoPathPlus in 2026 and it’s easy to see why laboratory directors and pathologists who rely on that LIS system software are on edge today.

Here’s how the announcement was covered in the January 31, 2022 issue of The Dark Report (please note that only subscribers to The Dark Report will have access to this article link).

LIS Market Will Change After Oracle And Clinisys Acquisitions

Although CoPathPlus has been widely used by pathology groups since the laboratory information system software launched in 1982, that scenario is about to change. The CoPathPlus LIS software isn’t cloud-compatible, and that fact and its planned sunsetting are starting to impact the immediate future of hundreds of AP labs.

Editor’s Note: In addition to CoPathPlus NovoPath’s version 9.0 anatomic pathology laboratory information management software platform is sunsetting at the end of 2025, as is IntelliPath, another laboratory information management software. Also noteworthy, CliniSys ApolloLIMS, a laboratory information management system, plans to sunset in 2026, and LABdivus, an anatomic pathology laboratory workflow management software from Cerebrum, recently notified users of its plans to sunset in the coming months.

Learn More: Is Your Laboratory Information System and Lab Vendor Holding Your Laboratory Hostage?

This is An Opportunity to Unlock Lab Potential 

LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian, a former lab chief technology officer, fully understands what lab leaders across the country are feeling with the imminent demise of a lab information system that’s been around for over 40 years. 

“For CoPath users, it’s a scary thing to think about. Not having support and being left on your own,” he said. 

No one likes forced change, but according to Avunjian, this change will push hundreds of labs to get a much-needed digital transformation.

“This is a wake-up call for many labs, but it’s also an opportunity because a modern LIS laboratory information system can maximize automation and unlock a lab's potential,” he said.

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

The Time to Act is Now

Regarding LIS laboratory information system implementations, the time to act is now to smoothly move from the CoPathPlus LIS system to new LIS software solutions

Here’s a typical timeline that shows how much time and effort a lab will need to comfortably make the right choice and partner with the best LIS company that aligns with them on technology and goals.

  • Six months of laboratory information systems research (LIS software demos, testimonials, referrals, etc.).
  • Three months (or more) to narrow the decision to one LIS company and negotiate and finalize a licensing agreement.
  • Six to eight months to implement the medical LIS and train the staff.

*For large anatomic pathology practices, adjust the timeline by adding 30-to-40 percent more time to these LIS lab projections. 

Learn More: Keys to Keeping Your LIS System Implementation on Track

Laboratory Information Systems

The End of an Era

The sunsetting of Cerner’s anatomic pathology software/LIS system marks the end of one era and the start of another. That’s because hundreds of labs will soon be opening their doors to laboratory information system companies with advanced features and functionality that offer the anatomic pathology LIS reliability needed to take the place of CoPathPlus. 

“At LigoLab, we are excited to offer a forward-thinking and enterprise pathology lab software solution that addresses the immediate needs of transitioning pathology groups and sets a new standard for excellence in laboratory information system technology,”  said Avunjian. 

For many, this lab information system sunsetting is a disturbing development, so Avunjian sees it as his job to calm nerves and reassure lab leaders that an even more advanced lab pathology software alternative is available to them.

“LigoLab has all the laboratory workflow management feature sets that CoPathPlus offers, plus an order of magnitude beyond that,” he said. 

Also of note: The CoPath product is the laboratory information system that LigoLab has replaced the most since launching its own LIS pathology software solution in 2006. 

“We fully understand the advantages and constraints that come with CoPathPlus, and we’ve helped many medium-to-large pathology groups successfully migrate from that medical LIS solution to the LigoLab Informatics Platform,” he said. 

Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System Company

The Pathologists’ Experience

What about the pathologists who are used to working with CoPathPlus? What will they experience with the LigoLab platform?

“First off, their ease of use is going to be much better and they're going to have much more functionality at their fingertips because LigoLab is a much more modern laboratory information system,” said Avunjian, who used LigoLab’s speech-to-text feature as an example of how pathologists will be able to control their entire experience with voice if they so choose.

“Our state-of-the-art lab information system is designed with the future of healthcare in mind, and we’re confident that pathologists will enjoy an intuitive user experience and all the features and versatility the informatics platform provides,” he said. “They’ll also appreciate a newfound ability to sign out cases much faster, with far fewer clicks than before thanks to all the available LIS system functionality.”

Learn More: How Advanced LIS Software Helps Pathologists Sign Out Cases Faster

How LigoLab Stands Apart From Other Laboratory Information System Companies

A sunsetting laboratory information system can be a scary proposition, but, if lab leadership takes a step back, it can also be viewed as a welcome opportunity to revitalize the lab’s environment and put it on a path toward modernization and profitability. 

As lab leadership begins to research and engage with LIS software vendors, here are three important areas to concentrate on and evaluate.

Innovative Features: Does the LIS system integrate with the latest technological advancements to streamline lab workflow, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient outcomes? Does it support AI-driven analytics, digital pathology solutions, and cloud-based accessibility

Customized Solutions: Recognizing that every pathology group has unique needs, does the LIS system/pathology management software offer customizable solutions that can be tailored to fit specific requirements? Does the pathology information system align with operational lab workflow and enhance efficiency across all departments?

Customer Service and Support: Does the LIS company provide exceptional customer support? From the initial setup and beyond, does the healthcare LIS support team provide guidance, promptly answer questions, and resolve any issues that may arise? 

As noted earlier, Avunjian understands the challenges labs operating with CoPathPlus are now facing and that decisions must be made promptly. 

“Our team is ready to assist these labs every step of the way, and if they choose the LigoLab platform as their new anatomic pathology LIS, we’ll welcome them to the family of growing laboratory partners by ensuring their transition is a smooth and successful one,” he said. 

For those lab leaders who have yet to familiarize themselves with LigoLab and its modern anatomic pathology software solution, here’s a brief introduction that covers data migration, interface capabilities, and other key details. 

Case Study: Documenting the Avero Diagnostics Move From a Legacy Lab RCM System to LigoLab’s All-in-One Lab Informatics Platform

Laboratory Information System Companies

LigoLab’s Approach to Data Migration

With a sunsetting medical LIS and an imminent move to a new lab information system on the horizon, planning for data migration quickly becomes a top priority among the lab’s hierarchy. Fortunately, this is an area where LigoLab excels. 

“Transitioning to a new laboratory information system can be daunting, especially when transferring sensitive patient data and reports. Our experienced engineers specialize in secure data migration, ensuring historical data is transferred accurately and efficiently to our LIS system with minimal disruption to a lab’s operations,” said Avunjian. 

For LigoLab, data migration is a three-step process that ensures all generated patient reports and physician records are imported from the old healthcare LIS into the LigoLab platform.

Step 1: The first data import happens as the LIS system implementation commences. This is typically at least 10 years of data generated in the previous LIS model. Once finished, a report that identifies clean-up areas (such as eliminating duplicate or corrupt records) is shared with the lab. 

Step 2: A second data import takes place as the new LIS system is going live to catch and transfer all information accumulated since the first import. 

Step 3: A third and final data import takes place three to four months after going live to identify and transfer any remaining straggler cases to the new LIS medical solution. After this third import, the lab can completely switch off its legacy LIS system because all relevant data has been successfully transferred into the LigoLab platform.  

“The lab won’t have to keep CoPathPlus up and running long after going live with LigoLab,” said Avunjian. “When the process is finished, it will be like the legacy lab LIS data always existed in our platform, and the customer service team and pathologists will have access to these records just like any other report generated out of LigoLab.”

Avunjian also proudly pointed out that in two decades of working with independent clinical labs and pathology groups, LigoLab has never experienced an unsuccessful implementation or a rollback to a legacy laboratory information system due to an unsuccessful LIS software launch.

LigoLab's Interface Engine Compatibility

LigoLab's state-of-the-art LIS laboratory information system platform is also reassuringly designed to easily connect with existing interface engines like Mirth, Corepoint, Iguana, OpenLink, OpenEngine Lifepoint, ELKAY, Cloverleaf, and many more. 

This capability is crucial for laboratories looking to migrate to a more modern, feature-rich LIS pathology solution without disrupting the current interoperability between their systems and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By leveraging LigoLab's compatibility with these widely used interface engines, laboratories can:

  • Maintain connections with Electronic Health Record (EHR) and hospital systems, thus ensuring that patient data flows seamlessly across different healthcare platforms without needing reconfiguration.
  • Utilize current interfaces to minimize the learning curve and the medical LIS implementation timeline. Laboratories can leverage their existing setup to communicate with LigoLab's platform, reducing the time and resources required for the transition.

Building and Rebuilding Interfaces

LigoLab understands that each laboratory's needs are unique, and sometimes existing interfaces may need to be optimized or completely redesigned to meet the specific requirements of the new pathology information system environment. In response to this, LigoLab offers two pivotal services:

  • Rebuilding Existing Interfaces: For laboratories with existing interfaces that require updates or modifications, LigoLab's team of experienced engineers can rebuild these connections to ensure optimal performance, stability, and compatibility with the new healthcare LIS platform.
  • Developing New Interfaces: In cases where new functionalities or connections were not previously established, LigoLab can design and implement new interfaces. This service allows laboratories to expand their capabilities and integrate new laboratory software systems into their lab workflow, enhancing efficiency and their ability to serve clients.

Expanding Connectivity with LigoLab's Cloud Network

In an era where cloud-based LIS system software solutions are becoming increasingly crucial for efficient healthcare data management, LigoLab further enhances its service offerings through a comprehensive cloud network of pre-integrated interfaces. 

This network connects laboratories to an expansive array of cloud-based EHR systems, including Athenahealth, Practice Fusion, DrChrono, and ModMed. By tapping into this extensive network, laboratories instantly broaden their connectivity horizons, facilitating seamless data exchange across a diverse healthcare ecosystem.

This integration capability is not just about connectivity; it represents significant time and cost savings for laboratories. Once connected to LigoLab's cloud network, laboratories can swiftly bring additional clients online, typically in less than a week, without incurring fees for these connections. This approach accelerates the onboarding process for new clients and eliminates the financial burden often associated with establishing new interfaces. Consequently, laboratories can focus on their core mission of delivering top-quality diagnostic services while LigoLab handles the complexities of data connectivity and integration.

Learn More: The Benefits of a Modern Pathology Lab Management System

A laboratory assistant looks through a microscope

Empowering Laboratories with DIY Interface Building

In addition to providing interface development and optimization services, LigoLab empowers laboratories to take control of their interface architecture through its proprietary interface engine. This approach is designed for laboratories that prefer a hands-on approach to their LIS system integration:

  • LigoLab's Interface Engine: Laboratories can use LigoLab's interface engine to create, modify, and manage their interfaces in-house. This powerful tool provides a flexible and user-friendly environment for technical teams to develop bespoke LIS software solutions that meet their precise requirements.
  • Enhanced Autonomy and Flexibility: By enabling laboratories to build and manage their interfaces, LigoLab fosters a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency. Laboratories can quickly adapt to changes in their operational needs or technological advancements without relying on external lab vendors for every modification or new integration.

As the industry moves forward, LigoLab's comprehensive interface integration policy and rapid development position it as a leader in supporting laboratories through all technological transitions.

Learn More: LigoLab Delivers the LIS System Interoperability Needed to Transform Medical Laboratories into Thriving Businesses

Security and Compliance

In the digital age, the security of patient data and compliance with regulatory standards are paramount for any laboratory information system software. LigoLab recognizes this critical need and has built its informatics platform with robust security measures and compliance protocols to protect sensitive patient and laboratory information. The LIS laboratory information system adheres to HIPAA regulations, ensuring all data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and it provides a framework for data privacy and security that meets the highest standards. 

Learn More: LigoLab’s Enhanced Cybersecurity Solutions Give Customers Added Protection and Peace-of-Mind

Training and Support

Understanding the importance of a smooth transition and effective use of its enterprise pathology software platform, LigoLab offers comprehensive training and ongoing support tailored to each laboratory's specific needs. 

The training programs are designed to equip LIS lab staff with the knowledge and skills needed to maximize the benefits of LigoLab's feature sets. From initial setup to advanced functionalities, LigoLab is an LIS company that ensures a seamless learning experience through webinars, interactive sessions, and on-demand resources. 

Post-implementation, a dedicated support team can address any queries or issues, ensuring a lab’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. LigoLab’s commitment to a lab’s success is reflected in its responsive, unlimited, and proactive customer support.

On-Demand Webinar: Has Our Laboratory Outgrown its Laboratory Information System? 

The laboratory assistant conducts laboratory tests

LIS System Pricing That Just Makes Sense

CoPathPlus was a good laboratory information system in its day, and expensive, requiring a six-to-seven-figure upfront capital investment to license the LIS medical software. There’s also a good chance that contemporary LIS system alternatives will again require this sort of upfront investment for a laboratory information system partnership, but that’s not the case with LigoLab, which not only never requires a large upfront fee but also offers four different pricing tiers and a subsidized implementation and training fee.

The pricing tiers are designed to deliver maximum value to labs of all sizes and complexities while serving as a laboratory’s catalyst for modernization and faster scalability. 

“Our lab partners appreciate our LIS model for pricing and shared-success philosophy,” said Avunjian. “We bet on the customer and ourselves as laboratory information system vendors. We subsidize much of the implementation cost. We align with laboratories for a long-term partnership based on success because if they’re not profitable we both lose.”

Learn More: LigoLab Informatics Platform: Uniquely Designed to Deliver Maximum Value

Final Thoughts 

The LigoLab Informatics Platform is an all-in-one lab information system and laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) software solution. It sets a new standard in the laboratory information system arena, delivering unmatched flexibility, scalability, and support, and stands out as the most comprehensive LIS system software solution commercially available today, designed to cater not just to the basic needs of laboratories but also to their evolving demands as they expand and adapt to the changing healthcare landscape. 

White Paper: Maximizing Your Lab’s Profitability: The Case for In-House Lab Billing

Unlike simpler laboratory information systems that labs might quickly outgrow, LigoLab is built for longevity. This means medical laboratories can rely on a single pathology lab information system that grows with them, eliminating the need for frequent and disruptive LIS system changes.

The LigoLab approach to pricing further differentiates this LIS company from the competition, offering a clear and straightforward LIS model for pricing that eschews the traditional, substantial upfront costs. 

For more information about LigoLab’s pathology software solutions and how they help pathology groups transition from CoPathPlus and other sunsetting systems please contact a LIS System Product Specialist today.

Michael Kalinowski
Author
Michael Handles Marketing and Communications for LigoLab

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