Factors to Consider Before Upgrading Lab Report Capabilities

It’s often stated that the lab report is a laboratory’s product or calling card, so the execution of the reporting module should be a focus for any lab leader exploring new laboratory information systems (LIS).

Our experts on diagnostic specialty kits have put together a list of factors to consider when talking to LIS vendors about reporting capabilities.

Interoperability

It doesn’t matter how good a report appears if no one can view it. Select a system with an unrestricted architecture and a powerful interface engine. Both are required for connectivity with a broad spectrum of electronic medical records and billing assistance employed by hospitals and health systems across the nation. The best solutions reinforce various configurations, including PDF, XML, and HL7. What the information looks like on the receiving end is also vitally essential. Transferred data must be formatted correctly to look good on the receiving EMR. Don’t forget to ask if the LIS can sustain embedded PDFs, attachments, and links in the HL7 transmission.

Flexibility

‍Don’t expend all of your time and resources on implementing a new LIS without first understanding how adaptable the system is. Can it produce fully customizable report templates that appear the way you want them to appear, pixel-by-pixel? Can it create templates for co-branding prospects with customers? Can it produce more value for consumers through personalization and protected preferences? Be sure to question the vendor on whether the customization of reports is an alternative. If they say yes, they will also probably be able to furnish training allowing you to modify the templates in-house at no additional cost. Find out if the LIS can yield unique patient reports, host them on a patient portal, and send essential results to the provider through SMS, fax, etc.

Configurability

‍We’ve addressed template flexibility, but the existing configurability is equally essential. Be sure to question the vendor on whether the templating engine is ingrained in the LIS or if it’s a stand-alone software. For cutting-edge features, you might want to ask if it can sustain macros and the capacity to bring in ANY discrete domain from the system or apply conditional controls in the report template. These inquiries are often neglected, and some dealers may not offer the configurability you will require. Ask the hard questions now rather than six months down the road to ensure your lab doesn’t get stuck with a costly software development expense, or even more alarming, be informed by the vendor that it’s impossible to accommodate your demands. Can attachments, including pictures and diagrams, be added to reports, and can you annotate them?

We hope this helps you better understand the factors to consider before upgrading your lab reporting capabilities. Finding the right solution for your lab may not be easy, but it will pay off in the future. So, contact us today if you need access to diagnostic specialty kits. We are here to support your laboratory needs.

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