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Lab Management In an Economic Downturn

Scott Warner, MLT(ASCP), offers advice for a fiscally sound lab.


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To supplement the May print article "Lab Prosperity on a Budget," Scott Warner, MLT(ASCP), lab manager at Penobscot Valley Hospital, Lincoln, ME, offers more advice for clinical laboratory administrators in a recession.


 

Diane,

Our benchmarking factor that we use to calculate FTE targets using billable tests is proprietary. But you have options, it seems to me, before you start cutting staff. Your consultants should be able to describe what labs yours is compared to. What size is the database? Are all FTEs included? Are all shifts included? Are all billables included? Are the billables divided by patient stay type? And so on. After analysis, you may be able to successfully argue "apples and oranges" to your administration. An alternative benchmark can be useful, if other laboratories in your area are willing to participate. The problem with this, of course, is the small size of the database and the possibility that your administration won't care about data they haven't paid for. But the good news is that all the players are known. If another lab benchmarks well using another consultant and you compare well with them, that can help you.


Scott WarnerMay 31, 2009

Can you share any of your lab benchmarking sources? We had consultants last year who assigned the lab a productivity target that we have been unable to attain.

Diane Guerrero,  Director,  Sacred Heart HospitalMay 20, 2009
Allentown, PA

I always enjoy Scott's contributions. Nice to see and hear him as well.

Dan  Leighton,  ConsultantMay 05, 2009
Hacienda Heights, CA


     

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