LigoLab’s LIS Software Offers Server Flexibility

In today’s digitally transformed world, tech-driven innovation is everywhere. It’s advancing at a speed that makes it challenging for even the most tech-savvy of healthcare organizations to keep pace. But there’s no escaping it. Providers simply cannot afford to ignore new technologies; otherwise, they will fail to retain customers, gain new ones, and soon become obsolete. This is especially true for clinical laboratories (including molecular labs) and anatomic pathology groups providing diagnostic services for laboratory medicine. 

In most cases, laboratory decision-makers are well-versed in what modern laboratory information system vendors can offer but for various reasons, like concerns over the potential for laboratory disruption and the thought of having to learn an entirely new system, fail to act. That’s a shame because even though change is often wrongfully linked with anxiety, implementing a new laboratory information system doesn’t have to be an overwhelming ordeal, and it’s not when you choose the right company to partner with.

A modern lab information system like the Ligolab LIS & RCM Laboratory Operating Platform can do what a rigid legacy LIS system can’t. Modern LIS software drives workflow efficiencies that remove bottlenecks and create new business opportunities and new revenue streams. They also help to relieve the lab industry’s current staffing burden and help reign in rising operational costs. The LIS software does this by adding automation where possible to clinical and billing workflows, enabling labs to efficiently fill the gaps created by a lack of qualified personnel and gain cost certainty. 

Unlike legacy systems that are limited in terms of automation, functionality, and client preferences, modern laboratory information systems offer the flexibility needed for labs to create market differentiation and uniquely deliver what modern day customers require. This allows them to compete better today and remain relevant and profitable well into the future. 

On the Cloud or On-Premises - Modern LIS Solutions Support Both Options 

So how can lab leaders quickly identify modern LIS systems among the many options out there, and then zero in on the best laboratory information system software? 

An excellent place to start is to determine whether the pathology software offered has the flexibility to be either deployed on the Cloud or on-premises. 

As the saying goes, “no two medical labs are exactly alike,” and that remains a truism to this day. In terms of where a lab’s server should be based, the proper response should be “where it most benefits the lab,” so partnering with laboratory information system vendors that can deliver on the Cloud and on-premises server options is key.

For established laboratory operators that already employ an IT department, have a server room, and who care to keep the data close to them, continuing with an on-premises server may ultimately be the best option going forward. For newer or start-up operations with smaller testing volumes and no plans to hire an extensive IT team, a server on the Cloud is likely the more prudent choice. 

This is a question that often comes up as we demonstrate the LigoLab Platform to prospective clients. They assume that they’ll have to hire an army of internal IT support to manage the software. The simple truth is that with LigoLab, IT support is covered as part of the company’s licensing agreement.

Comparing Cloud vs. On-Premises - Advantages and Disadvantages

As mentioned earlier, choosing on the Cloud or on-premises for your server location comes down to what’s best for the laboratory. Here’s a quick comparison of the two options that will help laboratory directors determine what’s best for them.

Cloud Advantages

• Access anytime and from anywhere via a web browser
• No need to invest in hardware and server maintenance
• Quicker deployment of the software

Cloud Disadvantages

• Reliable internet access is required
• May be more costly over time
• Not as customizable

On-Premises Advantages

• The cost of ownership is often lower over time
• More control over the data and system changes 
• Not reliant on internet connectivity and other external factors

On-Premises Disadvantages

• Large upfront capital investment
• The lab is responsible for maintenance, data backups, storage, and disaster recovery
• Implementations typically take longer 

LigoLab Offers What Growing Labs Need - a True Information Systems Partner

“With LigoLab, we take care of all the technical aspects of the LIS system,” said LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian. “We handle all the server maintenance, data backup, and software updates, plus interfacing, configurations, and more. We serve as a lab’s complete off-site information systems partner.”

In a cloud-based server scenario, Avunjian recommends employing locally outsourced troubleshooting help for any minor IT issues related to hardware that may come up (for example a printer not performing properly). 

“Most high-throughput labs have their own IT departments and can manage the complexities associated with having their data center on-premises. For smaller labs still establishing themselves and currently at comparatively lower test volumes, the on-premises option may ultimately be more costly,” continued Avunjian.

In truth, LigoLab’s LIS system was designed with the flexibility to support labs of all sizes fully, and a growing percentage of LigoLab clients are choosing the cloud-based server option.

“25 to 30 percent of our clients don’t have in-house IT departments,” added Avunjian. 

LigoLab’s All-in-One Lab Information System

Regardless of whether your lab chooses the on the Cloud or the on-premises option, you’re in good hands with LigoLab’s comprehensive platform and its attractive monthly license and support fee that aligns with a lab’s financial goals. The fee is based on monthly volume and case type. The higher the monthly volume, the lower the cost per case/report. The license also has no limit on the number of users and 24/7 support. 

LigoLab provides its partner laboratories with all the modules it will need to be successful, a refreshing alternative to the nickel and diming approach used by legacy system vendors that hide behind hidden costs for modules and future upgrades.

In addition to modules that support anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, revenue cycle management, and direct-to-consumer, the license and support fee also includes access to all of the platform’s support modules and support engines. This includes solutions for Outreach, Specimen Tracking, QC/QA Quality Control, Document Imaging, Client Portal (Remote Orders/Report Delivery), and Business Intelligence Reporting (Dashboarding). With LigoLab, users get all the benefits that come with a comprehensive platform from day one. 

About LigoLab

LigoLab is an award-winning provider of innovative end-to-end healthcare software for pathology laboratories, servicing 150+ facilities nationwide. LigoLab Operating Platform empowers laboratories to serve patients better, differentiate themselves in the marketplace, scale their operations and become more compliant, and more profitable.