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Case Study:

Midstate Gastroenterology Specialists

 
 

BACKGROUND

In 2018, we helped MidState Gastroenterology Specialists, PC establish a pathology laboratory at their Meriden, Connecticut location.

The practice offers highly specialized and comprehensive care in gastroenterology, liver diseases and endoscopy. Affiliated with Midstate Medical Center, the physicians at MidState Gastroenterology Specialists strive to provide the highest quality medical care and continuity of services in a compassionate, professional and personalized environment.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The single specialty group enlisted our team when opening their second endoscopy location in Meriden. While the endoscopy function was previously owned and managed by MidState Medical Center, doctors Madhavi Bhoomagoud, MD, Thomas Jung, MD, and Housein Wazaz, MD, now had the opportunity to determine the best structure for processing specimens.

“Before we decided to open our own pathology lab, our thinking was to hire a full-time pathologist,” said Dr. Wazaz.

However, hiring an individual pathologist can come with its own set of challenges, such as concerns around skill level or breadth of expertise and delayed turnaround times when the pathologist is out sick or away.

“We instead decided that building a physician-owned lab was the best choice for us, allowing freedom of practice and the ability to keep an eye on quality. We felt that ECPC were real go-getters, people who had a better understanding of our needs than other consultants who wanted to come in and reinvent the wheel.”

“We decided that building a physician-owned lab was the best choice for us, allowing freedom of practice and the ability to keep an eye on quality.”
— HOUSEIN WAZAZ, MD

Our discovery process with MidState Gastroenterology Specialists began by establishing the return-on-investment for the venture.

“ECPC understands the medical economics of this process, and they have street credit,” said Dr. Wazaz.

Dr. Wazaz and his team were also clear from the beginning that while the financial incentive exists, it was not the motivating factor for establishing an on-site lab. “Building out our own lab was very much about overseeing quality and improving efficiency and patient experience.”

 

 

 
 
 
 
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CLIENT RESULTS

 Highlights of partnership between ECPC and Midstate include clear, comprehensive reports from our team delivered in exemplary turnaround times (87 percent in 24 hours and 99 percent within 48 hours) that consistently outperform the industry standard (90 percent within 48 hours).

Efficiency has increased in part as a result of the IT platform (data delivery happens immediately) and by virtue of comprehensive, state-of-the-art reports delivered in above average turnaround times. The close working relationship between ECPC and the practice has also created efficiencies as a result of our personal connection and shared focus on the community.

Dr. Wazaz concedes that this entire process has been no small undertaking, taking just under a year to go from concept to fully operational lab. “There is a legal layer, there is regulatory, and there is education required,” he said. “But we had very open discussions with ECPC, and the clarity of thought was evident from the beginning. They outlined the core actionable steps which would prove to make the transition very smooth overall.”

“It was a strong collaboration that made real business sense. Now we have a high-quality successful lab, financially and professionally.”
— HOUSEIN WAZAZ, MD

ECPC worked to streamline the process from the start with minimal impact on the office, connecting the practice to skilled lab contractors, IT team, specialized equipment, and eventually a skilled, licensed technician to run the lab itself.

“We worked well together,” said Dr. Wazaz. “It was a strong collaboration that made real business sense. Now we have a high-quality successful lab, financially and professionally. It has helped the practice because we have independence and can control the quality of the work. We can also now provide ancillary services to our practice.

“ECPC is still acting as a great partner. We receive very good, very comprehensive pathology reports in a timely manner. Quality of care has improved. A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. It was well worth it.”