Why “The Safe Move” to a New Version of Legacy LIS Software Is the Wrong Move for Medical Labs

It’s no secret that the medical diagnostics landscape is rapidly changing as clinical laboratories and pathology groups endure constant pressure from shrinking reimbursements, staffing shortages, rising costs, complex regulations, and increasing demand for faster, more personalized services. In this challenging environment, the laboratory information system (LIS software) plays a critical role, often determining whether a lab thrives or simply struggles to stay afloat.

And yet, when the time comes to make a change due to the current version of the legacy LIS system sunsetting, many lab leaders gravitate toward what feels like the “safe move”: staying with the same lab vendor and upgrading to the latest version of their LIS software, even though there’s no guarantee that the new version will cover the gaps that existed in the older version. It feels familiar. It promises minimal disruption. It appears to be the path of least resistance.

But that perception is misleading and potentially damaging. Choosing to upgrade a legacy LIS system instead of switching to a future-ready medical LIS solution like the LigoLab Informatics Platform might feel safe in the short term, but, in the long run, it often means staying stuck in outdated workflows, dealing with ongoing inefficiencies, and missing out on the innovations that will define the laboratory of the future.

White Paper: Transitioning from CoPath to LigoLab - A Seamless Path to LIS System Modernization

When “Safe” Really Means “Stagnant”

Legacy laboratory information system vendors may offer minor performance improvements with their latest versions, but what they don’t provide is true transformation. Under the surface, many of these LIS systems are still built on outdated architectures, limited in their flexibility, and reliant on clunky workarounds or third-party diagnostic lab software integrations to meet modern demands.

This means labs that stay with legacy LIS pathology systems often continue to experience:

• Disconnected workflows that require multiple laboratory software systems
• Manual data entry points that increase the risk of human error
• Difficulties integrating with instruments, electronic health records, and laboratory billing systems
• Limited configurability that slows adaptation to automation and new services
• Added costs and delays when relying on the LIS lab vendor support for changes
• Incomplete visibility into operations and reporting

In contrast, modern pathology lab management platforms such as LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS & lab billing platform are designed from the ground up to eliminate these limitations. They offer:

• Unified technical and financial operations (including an embedded lab billing module)
• Full configurability that empowers labs to adapt without vendor dependence
• Scalability and interoperability for new workflows, instruments, and interfaces while supporting the latest advancements in AI and digital pathology 
• Real-time business intelligence through customizable dashboards and analytics
• Support for direct-to-consumer lab testing, including at-home DTC workflows

Case Study: Summit Pathology - Achieving Laboratory Profitability Amidst Operational Pressures

The Opportunity Cost of Staying Behind

Laboratories that choose the perceived convenience of a legacy laboratory information system software upgrade may not realize the opportunity cost until it’s too late. As competitors migrate to platforms that enable advanced automation, integration, and innovation, labs sticking with outdated LIS systems risk falling behind.

Modern laboratory information system companies like LigoLab are helping labs turn their medical LIS into a strategic asset, one that supports:

• Rapid onboarding of new client accounts and services
• Faster turnaround times and fewer claim denials (when utilizing the same platform and a shared database for technical and financial operations)
• Expansion into new revenue streams like molecular diagnostics and direct-to-consumer lab testing
• Seamless compliance and quality assurance 
• A better patient and provider experience through streamlined reporting and communication

The result is a lab that’s not just managing data, but using innovation and insight to drive decisions, improve outcomes, and create long-term value.

Discover More: Why Medical Labs Should Consider Deeper Alignment with Their LIS System Partner

The Real Cost of Switching Is Often Overstated

One of the primary reasons labs hesitate to move away from their existing pathology software vendor is the perceived complexity and cost of switching LIS systems. But this concern is frequently overblown.

Yes, implementation requires planning and resources, but the best LIS software partners like LigoLab make the transition manageable and successful by providing:

• Dedicated implementation teams with deep domain expertise
• Proven migration frameworks to ensure clean and complete data transfer
• Advanced configuration options that give LIS lab personnel agency and the ability to create and enhance workflows without external help
• End-to-end staff training and 24/7 support during and after go-live

Moreover, LigoLab’s scalable pricing tiers give labs control over their investment and ensure that they’re only paying for the features they need, when they need them.

Industry Insights: Empowering Laboratories - The Benefits of Full Agency Over LIS System Configuration

“The Best Laboratory Information System Companies” Offer More Than Software

The best LIS software vendors don’t just sell systems; they become the lab’s strategic partners. They offer modern solutions that are:

• Infinitely configurable and continuously evolving
• Capable of managing all departments and operations without silos and with enhanced insight
• Designed to automate and simplify complex processes that reduce manual steps
• Focused on improving turnaround times, reducing labor costs, and increasing net collections

In today’s environment, laboratories require LIS software vendors that understand the full diagnostic and financial lifecycle. Only modern LIS systems such as the LigoLab platform can provide that kind of integrated, forward-thinking support.

Industry Insights: From System of Record to System of Action - The Next Evolution of Laboratory Information Systems

The Smart Move: Choose Innovation Over Inertia

Choosing to remain with an upgraded legacy LIS system may feel like a low-risk decision, but in reality, it’s a move that can limit your lab’s future growth and competitive advantage. In contrast, transitioning to a modern, future-proof laboratory information system platform empowers your lab to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities with confidence.

So ask yourself: are you making the easy move or the smart one?

Discover what the LigoLab Informatics Platform can do for your lab.

Schedule a personalized LIS system demo today and take the first step toward a smarter, more scalable future.

LigoLab: Your Future-Ready Pathology Lab Software Partner

LigoLab delivers a powerful, all-in-one informatics platform that seamlessly integrates laboratory information system (LIS) functionality with lab revenue cycle management (Lab RCM) and direct-to-consumer lab testing (TestDirectly). Designed for independent clinical, molecular, and anatomic pathology labs, LigoLab helps its partners optimize operations, reduce errors, and achieve sustainable growth while navigating today’s complex healthcare landscape.

What makes LigoLab unique is its unified approach. By combining modern medical LIS and advanced laboratory billing solutions within a single system, the platform eliminates the need for multiple vendors and disconnected workflows. This results in complete data integrity, real-time automation, and full visibility across the entire laboratory lifecycle.

The LigoLab team includes many former lab professionals who bring hands-on experience to every implementation. This insider knowledge fuels smarter design, faster onboarding, and personalized support that aligns with real-world lab needs.

White Paper: How LigoLab Delivers CIO-Level Insight Through Real-World Lab Experience

LigoLab also distinguishes itself with transparent, tiered pricing, unlimited users, ongoing support, and no-cost LIS software updates. These features reflect a commitment to long-term partnerships and customer success.

For labs ready to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and scale confidently, LigoLab offers the future-ready platform and expertise to make it happen.