How do I compare systems from a financial perspective?
After you have solicited proposals and seen demonstrations, it's time to compare the relative value of your LIS options. Two points for consideration:
Improve service levels to your customers
The product of any laboratory is accurate and timely information. Physicians need it to make treatment decisions. Lab administrators need it to decide what testing to do in house, to keep track of how much testing is being done - by whom and at what location, and to help manage payor contracts. Lab data must be accessible to everyone who needs it, including outpatient or remote sites. An LIS formats and delivers this information quickly and efficiently.
Compare systems based on total cost of ownership.
The bottom line on a proposal won't always show total costs. Are all elements essential to the system, such as hardware, software, shipping, installation, and training, included in the quote? Expose hidden costs such as support, custom programming or software upgrade fees by asking vendors to include estimates for total cost of ownership over 5 years. These factors could mean that a $120,000 LIS may be more expensive than one at $160,000.