Industry Insights
Seamless Data Exchange is Here and Will Soon Be Widely Adopted
October 30, 2025
In his latest thought-leadership article for the Forbes Business Council, LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian examines medical laboratory interoperability between electronic health records (EHRs) and laboratory information systems (LIS software).
Click below to access the entire article.
Forbes Business Council Article: Enhancing Patient Care With Electronic Health Records And Laboratory Information Systems
Suren writes about the inherent difficulties associated with data exchange between these two disparate laboratory software systems and why it is important for LIS healthcare leaders to continue working toward a new level of convergence between the two highly intertwined systems.
What follows is an executive summary of Suren’s article. After the summary, we’ll include links to his previous thought-leadership pieces which focus on the best way to fund an enterprise lab, how current pathology lab software technology is shaping the future of medical labs, and the pros and cons associated with just-in-time vs. batch processing within the lab.
Discover More: Best Pathology Lab Reporting Software - Buyers Guide and Checklist
Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Suren opens the Forbes article by comparing what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic to what needs to happen for increased EHR and lab information system/medical LIS software connectivity.
He explains that COVID-19 created an enormous challenge for the healthcare system, and he points to diagnostic testing labs as proof of what’s possible when everyone works toward a shared goal. In response to the crisis, these labs rapidly transformed long-standing clinical laboratory management workflows, adapting almost overnight to handle unprecedented testing volumes and help protect patients as the nation fought to contain the virus.
“It should be noted that the healthcare transformation that resulted from COVID-19 wasn’t an outlier. Rapid change is quite common in an industry where internal and external pressures often expedite the development of new technologies to solve problems and deliver better patient outcomes.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
Case Study: How Our Lab Partner Embraced Laboratory Information System Innovation and Won a Statewide Testing Contract
Breaking Down the Basics of Data Exchange
Suren then defines data exchange in healthcare as the electronic sharing of patient information between systems and facilities such as laboratories, hospitals, and clinics. He also outlines the distinct roles of EHR and laboratory information systems within the healthcare ecosystem, emphasizing that seamless integration between the two is essential for advancing laboratory medicine, particularly in supporting precision medicine and personalized care.
“Once this convergence of health informatics is achieved, the fast and accurate exchange of patient data and improved care outcomes is possible.”
Suren Avunijian, LigoLab CEO
Discover More: Laboratory Software Systems - What You Need to Know to Make an Informed Decision
Overcoming Data Exchange Difficulties
Suren emphasizes that the seamless exchange of patient information is neither automatic nor guaranteed. He notes that electronic health records and laboratory information systems are often built by different lab vendors, each using distinct data formats and coding standards. While addressing these interoperability challenges is far less daunting than confronting a global pandemic, Suren points out that both require collaboration, coordination, and a shared commitment to improving healthcare.
“First off, seamless data exchange only became a reality recently thanks to the early adoption of newly available EHR and LIS system technology. Secondly, the pressure throughout the industry to increase efficiency to match growing caseloads has also contributed, causing a change in behavior out of necessity.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
Discover More: LigoLab Delivers the LIS System Interoperability Needed to Transform Medical Laboratories into Thriving Businesses
The Advantages of Data Convergence Are Many
Suren highlights the critical role of efficiency in healthcare, especially as organizations face growing demands to improve patient care while managing rising costs, shrinking reimbursements, and a severe shortage of skilled professionals.
He explains that the effective integration of healthcare informatics platforms, such as electronic health records and LIS systems, can help relieve these pressures. This convergence enables real-time data sharing, smoother workflows, improved accuracy, more complete patient records, stronger patient engagement, and ultimately, more cost-effective care supported by richer clinical insights.
Discover More: How LigoLab Supports Medical Labs Dealing with Staffing Shortages
What Can Lab Leaders Do to Make the Promise of Seamless Data Exchange a Reality?
So how can today’s healthcare leaders maintain momentum and drive broader adoption of seamless EHR–LIS system connectivity?
Suren suggests starting by building consensus, clearly communicating the benefits of interoperability to all stakeholders. He also stresses the need for unified provider support of open data standards such as Health Level Seven (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), which are essential for achieving true system-to-system integration.
“I believe universal adoption is within reach and that we’ll get there collectively by sharing success stories among providers. This industry is challenging and ultra-competitive, so when healthcare decision-makers see a peer moving forward with pathology software technology, they are likely to follow suit.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
Discover More: It’s Time for Medical Labs to Embrace the Potential of Laboratory Informatics
Check Out These Other Forbes Articles
Suren Avunjian is a respected industry leader and active member of the Forbes Business Council. Drawing on his background as a laboratory chief technology officer and two decades of experience leading an enterprise laboratory information system software company, he brings both technical expertise and business insight to his writing. Through his articles, he breaks down complex topics into clear, engaging, and actionable thought-leadership pieces centered on LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS and laboratory billing platform.
Discover More: A Closer Look at LigoLab’s Commitment to Innovation
Explore more insights as he shares practical strategies and forward-thinking perspectives on how labs can harness innovation, data integration, and automation to improve efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and advance patient care.
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The Impact Of Current Technology On The Future Of Medical Laboratories
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About the Author
Suren Avunjian is the Chief Executive Officer of LigoLab, a leading laboratory information system software company specializing in advanced diagnostic lab software solutions for medical laboratories across the country.
He oversees the company’s growth and operations, guiding a talented team dedicated to innovation and excellence. As the driving force behind LigoLab’s strategic vision, Avunjian is committed to building the most comprehensive and highly configurable medical LIS software platform in the industry, backed by unmatched customer support and a service model that goes far beyond what traditional vendors provide.
Learn how Suren Avunjian’s vision is transforming the future of laboratory operations.
Discover how LigoLab’s powerful, fully integrated LIS platform can help your lab streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and achieve lasting growth.
