A physician group practice was interested in opening a moderately complex laboratory, but the practitioners were uncertain where to begin. Recognizing the opportunity to enhance patient care, improve turnaround time, and increase revenue, the practice asked NECAPS GPO to assist them in establishing the laboratory. NECAPS GPO realized that our organization could help them achieve all these goals and more.

NECAPS GPO performed an extensive analysis of the group's current needs and practices. We examined their existing test send-out volumes, available space, staffing requirements, regulatory and licensure issues, IT infrastructure, equipment needs and revenue opportunities. The results of this analysis indicated that the practice could accomplish their goals by establishing an in-house laboratory and generate substantial new revenue.

When the group joined NECAPS GPO, our industry experts worked with them over the course of three months to design and construct a laboratory, procure equipment at substantial discounts through our Supplier Partners, develop a robust test menu, obtain state licensure, hire and train lab employees, write procedure manuals, assign QC protocols and finally, open for business.

Three years later, the lab continues to operate successfully and efficiently, offers an expanded test menu and has become a strong source of revenue for the practice. Other positive outcomes of this project include:

• Improved turn-around-time for test results
• Faster diagnosis
• Faster therapeutic response
• Improved patient satisfaction and retention
• Enhanced quality assurance