Author: hc1

By Bradley Bostic, Founder and CEO
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Executive Summary

Healthcare does not have a data problem.

It has a problem turning data into action.

Across health systems and laboratories, leaders face growing pressure to improve outcomes, streamline operations, control costs, and accelerate growth within an increasingly complex environment. The data is there. The challenge lies in unlocking it.

Too often, critical insights remain buried in disconnected systems, siloed teams, and static reports that tell you what happened after the moment to act has already passed.

That is the challenge hc1 IQ™ was built to address. Today, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the new hc1 IQ™ website. This is more than a digital refresh. It marks a bold reimagining of how hc1 empowers healthcare organizations to transform data into intelligence, driving real-world impact where it matters most.

The Vision Behind hc1 IQ™

For years, healthcare has invested heavily in systems designed to capture, store, and move information. That investment was necessary. But collecting data is not the same as using it well.

What healthcare leaders need is not another layer of reporting. They need a way to identify what matters, what requires action, and where action can have the greatest impact.

That is the vision behind hc1 IQ™.

“hc1 IQ™ harnesses artificial intelligence to unify diagnostic, operational, and market data to surface meaningful patterns, spotlighting critical areas for intervention and empowering leaders to make confident, data-driven decisions.”

At its core, hc1 IQ™ is about one thing: helping healthcare leaders act with more precision.

Key Features Driving Measurable Outcomes

The value of intelligence is not in what it shows. It’s in what it enables an organization to do.

That’s why the new hc1 IQ™ website is purpose-built around the outcomes healthcare leaders care about most: stronger clinical performance, optimized operations, smarter supply management and focused, sustainable growth. These are not isolated goals. They are deeply interconnected challenges that every health system and laboratory must address to excel.

Clinical IQ™

Unmatched Clinical Intelligence

Better care depends on better signals.

Organizations cannot close care gaps, improve follow-up, or support earlier intervention if meaningful patterns remain hidden in the noise. Leaders need a clearer view of what the data is saying and where action is needed.

Clinical IQ™ provides relevant insights from diagnostic and clinical data so organizations can make more informed decisions and support more proactive care. This is not about overwhelming clinicians with more information. It is about giving the right teams clearer intelligence so they can act sooner and with greater confidence.

Ops IQ™

Operational Excellence

Operations improve when leaders can see where performance is slipping.

Bottlenecks, workflow delays, underused capacity, and inconsistent turnaround times do not just create inefficiency. They create drag across the system. They slow teams down, strain resources, and make it harder to deliver at the level healthcare demands.

Ops IQ™ gives leaders visibility into where operations are breaking down and where improvement will matter most. With a better view of workflow, utilization, and performance, organizations can make smarter operational decisions, reduce friction, and improve execution.

In healthcare, operational discipline is not a back-office issue. It is a performance issue.

Source IQ™

Smarter Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is now mission-critical. Managing it through static contracts and backward-looking reports is no longer enough. Leaders need real-time visibility into how supplies are being used, how contracts are performing, and where demand is shifting so they can control spending, reduce waste, and avoid costly disruptions.

With Source IQ™, organizations can combine market intelligence with utilization analytics to make smarter supply decisions. That creates better visibility into contract performance, stronger forecasting, and a more disciplined approach to inventory and cost. When margins are tight, that level of supply intelligence is essential.

Signal IQ™

Accelerated Market Growth

Growth requires more than effort. It requires clarity on where opportunity is growing and where risk is emerging.

Healthcare organizations need a sharper view of referral patterns, client behavior, and market movement so they can focus on retention and expansion with greater precision. Without that visibility, outreach becomes too broad, strategy too reactive, and growth becomes harder to sustain.

Signal IQ™ brings together market signals, referral analytics and client trends to show where relationships need attention, where expansion is most likely and where churn risk may be developing. That allows commercial teams to prioritize more effectively and pursue growth with greater discipline. In a competitive market, that kind of intelligence is a real advantage.

A New Standard for Healthcare Intelligence

The launch of the hc1 IQ™ website is more than a digital milestone. It sets a new benchmark for what healthcare organizations should expect from their technology partners. In a market defined by tight margins, operational complexity, and rising expectations, data alone is not enough. hc1 IQ™ is designed to solve this challenge, delivering actionable intelligence that drives meaningful change.

“We designed hc1 IQ™ to give healthcare leaders a more intelligent and connected way to navigate clinical, operational, supply, and commercial challenges.”

The new website reflects that clearly, with a sharper view of the platform, the use cases it supports, the outcomes it is built to drive, and the way it integrates into existing healthcare infrastructure.

Visit hc1 IQ™ and see how hc1 is turning data into action. Review the use cases. Look at the outcomes. Consider what a stronger intelligence layer can mean for clinical performance, operations, supply management, and growth.

That is what hc1 IQ™ is built for.

Bradley Bostic is the Founder and CEO of hc1. Having founded hc1 in 2011 with a vision to move healthcare toward proactive, predictive, and personalized care through the power of data.

By Julie Gniffke, SVP of Technology Engineering
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Executive Summary

The conversation around AI in healthcare has shifted. It’s no longer about potential—it’s about proof. In a recent episode of Boombostic Health in the Wild recorded live at ViVE, former US CTO Aneesh Chopra made that case compellingly: the data infrastructure is in place, policy alignment is emerging, and AI agents are already delivering measurable results.


Listen to the full episode here.

For lab leaders, that signal matters. The same forces reshaping how health systems manage chronic disease and care navigation are converging on laboratory operations. The window to act is now.

Data as the Foundation

The healthcare industry spent over a decade building the infrastructure to make data accessible. From the release of Medicare datasets under the Obama administration to TEFCA enabling real-time record exchange today, open data has become, as Chopra described it, “the baseline good.”

“Access alone doesn’t create value. What transforms data into outcomes is intelligence – the ability to interpret it, act on it, and close the gaps it reveals.”

This is where platforms like hc1 ClinicalIQ™ are redefining what lab data can do. Rather than treating lab results as isolated outputs, hc1 ClinicalIQ™ applies AI-driven analytics to unify clinical intelligence, utilization patterns, and operational performance into a single, actionable view. The result: labs move from reactive reporting to proactive decision-making.

Policy Is Setting the Stage

Chopra described a pivotal shift underway at CMS – moving away from complex actuarial models toward fixed outcomes-based payments tied to four chronic conditions: metabolic disease, early-stage and late-stage low back pain, and mental health. The message to providers is clear: inputs matter less than outcomes, and the infrastructure to reward performance is being built right now.

Why This Matters for Lab

Diagnostic accuracy, appropriate test utilization, and timely care gap closure aren’t just operational metrics – they are direct contributors to the outcome scores that will determine payment in a value-based world.

Labs that can demonstrate how their testing protocols drive better downstream outcomes will have a strategic advantage. Those still operating in data silos, managing supply contracts manually, or relying on outdated outreach models will struggle to make that case.

Platform Infrastructure: From Insight to Action

One of the most compelling examples Chopra shared was an academic medical center that used AI voice agents to proactively engage patients on blood pressure management. Within 90 days, the system moved from two-star to four-star performance on Medicare Advantage STAR measures – generating millions in quality bonuses.

90
Days to move from 2-star to 4-star Medicare Advantage STAR performance
2 → 4
STAR rating improvement through intelligent patient outreach
Millions +
Quality bonuses generated from the STAR performance improvement

Key Finding:

The mechanism was not complicated. It was consistent, intelligent outreach to a population that wasn’t being reached any other way.

The same principle applies to lab outreach and care gap management. hc1 ClinicalIQ™ delivers this capability at scale – analyzing referral patterns, identifying at-risk patients, and equipping outreach teams with the intelligence to act before gaps widen. This is not theoretical. It is the kind of platform infrastructure that supports what Chopra calls the “abundance future”: high-quality, personalized care for every patient, not just the highest-risk tier.

What Lab Leaders Should Be Doing Now

The alignment of data access, policy reform, and AI capability creates a rare window. Here is how lab leaders can position their operations to capture it:

Four Steps to Take Today

01
 Audit your data infrastructure.

Are your lab results integrated with clinical and operational data, or still siloed? AI-driven analytics require unified inputs to generate reliable insights.

02
 Align lab performance with outcomes metrics.

Understand which quality measures – STAR ratings, HEDIS scores, chronic disease management benchmarks – your lab data can directly influence.

03
 Invest in AI-powered outreach.

Proactive, intelligent engagement with providers and patients is becoming a competitive differentiator. Manual outreach models cannot scale to meet the demand.

04
 Evaluate your platform.

Fragmented point solutions create blind spots. A unified intelligence platform – one that connects clinical intelligence, supply chain optimization, and market growth – is the architecture for what comes next.

The Moment Has Arrived

Chopra closed the conversation with a note of hard-won optimism: “I’ve been a dreamer of this moment… now I feel like it’s coming.” For those working at the intersection of diagnostics and care delivery, that moment demands a response.

The data infrastructure exists. The policy incentives are being restructured. The AI tools to translate both into action are here.

hc1 ClinicalIQ™ is built for exactly this convergence—helping lab leaders optimize operations, close care gaps, and drive growth in an outcomes-driven healthcare system. The question isn’t whether AI will reshape laboratory medicine. It’s whether your lab will lead that transformation or follow it.

Julie Gniffke is SVP, Technology Engineering at hc1. She leads all software product development, maintenance, and internal operations.

Contact: jgniffke@hc1.com

By Jason Carney, SVP Clinical Strategy
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Executive Summary

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAMS), beginning in 2026, forces hospitals to assume significant risk for the 30-day post-discharge continuum of care. Success under this mandatory bundled payment initiative hinges on two levers: rigorous cost containment and superior quality outcomes. This paper asserts that traditional episodic cost management is insufficient. The most potent, yet often overlooked, strategy is the precision-driven, pre-surgical optimization of patient blood health. By deploying tools like MyBloodHealth, hospitals can systematically mitigate the largest single drivers of episodic cost—complications and readmissions—while simultaneously boosting the patient engagement metrics that drive quality adjustments.

I. The New Mandate: Navigating Risk in the CMS TEAMS Era

The CMS TEAMS model represents a definitive shift in reimbursement philosophy, bundling payments for common surgical procedures (such as Lower Extremity Joint Replacement) to include all related costs up to 30 days post-discharge.

Hospitals are no longer paid for volume; they are financially accountable for managing total episode spending against a regional target price. For every episode, a hospital must proactively manage high-cost variables, including:

Readmissions

Each prevented readmission saves an average of $10,000–$14,000

Post-Acute Care

Controlling discharge destination—prioritizing HHA over high-cost SNF stays

Complications

Eliminating unnecessary utilization, such as blood transfusions

The ultimate financial outcome—whether a hospital receives a bonus or incurs a repayment penalty—is determined by the cost difference, which is then adjusted by a Quality Score based on metrics like patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and HCAHPS scores.

II. Anemia: The Hidden Variable Driving Episode Overspend

When analyzing episode costs, one clinical factor stands out as disproportionately driving high utilization and negative outcomes: pre-existing anemia.

Data clearly demonstrates the financial burden of this clinical condition:

Patient Cohort Average Total Payments ($) Per Patient
Unadjusted Costs for Anemic Patients $14,535
Unadjusted Costs for Non-anemic Patients $9,451

Key Finding:

50%+ Higher average annualized cost for anemic patients compared to non-anemic patients for surgical episodes.

This cost is driven by complications, longer inpatient stays, and reliance on expensive resources like transfusions and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) stays.

The traditional bundled payment approach focuses on managing costs after the surgery has occurred (optimizing PAC). The strategic advantage under TEAMS is to manage the risk before the episode even begins. By implementing evidence-based protocols for anemia and other blood health risks in the surgical readiness phase, hospitals can:

  1. Reduce Complications: Correcting anemia pre-surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of complications and the need for costly blood transfusions during the procedure.
  2. Ensure a Successful Discharge: Healthier patients are more likely to qualify for and succeed with safe discharge to home health, avoiding the $6,500–$10,000 average cost of an unnecessary Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) stay.

III. MyBloodHealth as the Engine for TEAMS Success

MyBloodHealth (MBH) directly translates proactive blood health optimization into tangible TEAMS performance benefits, functioning as a precision engine across the clinical and financial spectrum.

1. Driving Financial Savings Through Data Tracking

The platform facilitates the tracking of key blood health metrics over time. For hospitals, this data is invaluable for:

  • Risk Stratification: Identifying high-risk patients (e.g., those with undiagnosed or uncontrolled anemia) who require intensive prehabilitation.
  • Personalized Interventions: Enabling healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans that target blood health deficiencies, thereby reducing risk exposure within the 30-day episode window.
  • Eliminating Avoidable Costs: By ensuring patients enter the episode optimized, MBH supports the goal of eliminating unnecessary, high-cost resources—like readmissions or extended PAC stays—that push episode spending above the regional target.

2. Enhancing Quality Performance via Patient Engagement

The TEAM model integrates quality metrics, and low scores can completely negate cost savings.

Key Finding:

A Quality Adjustment of just -2% can turn a $100,000 cost savings bonus into a $28,000 repayment obligation.

MyBloodHealth directly addresses the patient-facing metrics (HCAHPS, PROMs) by:

  • Empowerment and Education: Giving patients access to their blood health data and providing educational resources. Engaged, informed patients are more adherent to treatment plans and better prepared for recovery, which naturally leads to higher patient satisfaction scores.
  • Improved Care Coordination: The platform facilitates continuous communication between the patient and the care team during the critical 30-day post-discharge period, ensuring necessary follow-up care and preventing unnecessary Emergency Department (ED) visits.

Conclusion: From Reactive Cost Control to Proactive Risk Management

CMS TEAMS is not just a payment challenge; it is a clinical strategy challenge. Hospitals that continue to focus solely on downstream cost control will perpetually lag.

The path to receiving the maximum reconciliation bonus under TEAMS lies in adopting an upstream, precision-based approach. MyBloodHealth transforms a clinical data point into a financial lever, ensuring patients are optimized, complications are minimized, and engagement is maximized.

In the mandatory bundled payment world, an effective blood health optimization platform is no longer a clinical nice-to-have; it is a strategic and financial necessity.

Jason Carney is SVP, Clinical Strategy at hc1. He is responsible for product development, innovation, and go-to-market strategy for hc1’s Clinical solution portfolio. Jason is the co-developer, co-author, and patent holder for the MyBloodHealth® platform.

Contact: jcarney@hc1.com

By Tiffany Hall, RN
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October 29, 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, a decade-long initiative designed to improve maternal health outcomes for women enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. This model represents a significant federal investment aimed at addressing disproportionately high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the U.S. As subject matter experts in health data and technology, we see this as a pivotal moment for state Medicaid agencies and their healthcare partners.

The TMaH model is structured around three core pillars: improving access to care, enhancing quality and safety, and delivering whole-person care. This framework provides a strategic roadmap for addressing the systemic gaps in maternal healthcare. For OB/GYN practices and health systems, understanding these pillars is crucial for aligning with this national priority and driving meaningful change.

Pillar 1: Access to Care, Infrastructure, and Workforce Capacity

The TMaH model directly confronts a primary barrier to better maternal health: limited access to a full range of providers and services. Many expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved areas, lack access to midwives, doulas, and perinatal Community Health Workers (CHWs). The model aims to change this by supporting states in building the necessary infrastructure and workforce to integrate these vital resources.

Key Objectives:

  • Increase Access: Promote the use of birth centers and midwives to offer more choices for low-risk pregnancies.
  • Expand Community Services: Integrate perinatal CHWs and doulas, who provide critical non-clinical support that can reduce postpartum anxiety and depression.
  • Modernize Data Infrastructure: Enhance data collection and information sharing between providers and community-based organizations through improved electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs).

Our Subject Matter Expert Perspective:

The U.S. faces the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with access disparities especially affecting marginalized communities enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. These gaps stem from challenges in accessing high-quality, consistent care. The TMaH model aims to address infrastructure and workforce limitations, such as the availability of midwives, doulas, and community health workers (CHWs). Digital solutions, like HerCare’s maternal health software, can further enhance these efforts by streamlining the identification of at-risk pregnancies and improving care coordination across multiple providers. By enabling seamless communication among midwives, CHWs, and doulas, technology ensures that women receive comprehensive care regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Pillar 2: Quality Improvement and Safety

The second pillar focuses on standardizing and elevating the quality of care provided in clinical settings. The TMaH model promotes the adoption of “patient safety bundles”—evidence-informed protocols designed to reduce preventable complications and make childbirth safer. This initiative also encourages hospitals to achieve the CMS “Birthing-Friendly” designation, a mark of quality and commitment to maternal health.

Key Objectives:

  • Implement Safety Protocols: Drive the adoption of patient safety bundles to reduce complications related to hypertension, cardiac conditions, and substance use disorders.
  • Promote Birthing-Friendly Hospitals: Encourage facilities to meet federal quality standards focused specifically on maternal health.
  • Foster Shared Decision-Making: Introduce processes that empower mothers to be active participants in their care plans and birth experience.

Our Subject Matter Expert Perspective:

Maternal health care involves numerous touchpoints and providers, often resulting in fragmented communication and care. The TMaH model’s emphasis on quality improvement relies on effective coordination among obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, and CHWs. A software solution such as HerCare can bridge communication gaps, providing a central hub for patient information and enabling all stakeholders to collaborate efficiently. Real-time data sharing, alerts, and collaborative features ensure each provider remains attuned to the evolving needs of mothers, thereby delivering continuous, coordinated, and high-quality care throughout the pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Pillar 3: Whole-Person Care Delivery

The final pillar of the TMaH model calls for a fundamental shift away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a model of whole-person care. This requires care plans that are customized to each mother’s unique physical, mental, and social needs. It emphasizes routine screening for health-related social needs (HRSNs), perinatal depression, and anxiety, with reliable referral pathways to community resources.

Key Objectives:

  • Personalize Care Plans: Institute evidence-based risk assessments to develop care plans that align with individual patient needs and preferences.
  • Integrate Mental and Behavioral Health: Routinely screen for and follow up on perinatal depression, anxiety, and substance use.
  • Address Social Determinants of Health: Screen for HRSNs like housing, transportation, and food insecurity, and establish referral pathways to address them.
  • Advance Health Equity: Require states to develop and implement Health Equity Plans and provide cultural competency training for providers.

Our Subject Matter Expert Perspective:

Whole-person care, one of the model’s cornerstones, places individualized birth plans and holistic care at the forefront. HerCare’s software helps actualize this vision by offering tailored risk assessments based on comprehensive clinical and behavioral health data. By continuously tracking metrics such as blood pressure, glucose, hemoglobin, ferritin, and mental health screenings, the platform empowers clinicians to intervene early and personalize care plans. This proactive approach reduces unnecessary interventions, prevents complications, and promotes positive birth experiences for mothers and their newborns.

The Path Forward: Long-Term Sustainability and Broader Impact

The TMaH Model creates a robust foundation for transforming maternal care, but challenges such as limited state participation remain. Technology plays a pivotal role in driving long-term sustainability and reducing costs by tracking outcomes, reducing inefficiencies, and optimizing care delivery. By supporting remote monitoring and enabling scalable, integrated solutions across states, platforms like HerCare can help expand the benefits of TMaH—including in states not selected for the federal model.

Furthermore, by reducing resource waste and improving patient risk identification, such solutions promote a more sustainable maternal health infrastructure. This ensures lower overall healthcare costs and improved outcomes, extending high-quality maternal care beyond the limitations of the current model.

Tiffany Hall is a nationally recognized leader in Patient Blood Management (PBM), bringing over 35 years of clinical nursing experience and deep expertise in anemia management and transfusion safety. As Clinical Technology Director and Product Owner for MyBloodHealth (MBH) and HERCARE, Tiffany leads the design and delivery of technology solutions that advance blood health and maternal care outcomes. Tiffany began her PBM career at Eastern Maine Medical Center and went on to serve as Clinical Director of PBM and Transfusion Safety Officer for a multi-hospital system in Florida. Since joining hc1 Insights, Inc. (formerly Accumen) in 2018, she has continued to shape innovative, system-wide PBM strategies grounded in clinical excellence and data-driven insights.

By Melissa Hollo
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September 22, 2025

Every minute, complications during pregnancy and childbirth claim the life of a woman somewhere in the world. Many of these outcomes could be prevented through early identification and intervention of maternal health risks, yet gaps in care persist.

Maternal Anemia: A Silent Crisis

Maternal anemia, affecting up to 1 in 4 pregnant women, remains one of the most under-addressed conditions in prenatal care. It increases the risks of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusions, and adverse neonatal outcomes like low birth weight and preterm delivery. Addressing maternal anemia is not just a clinical challenge but also an operational and technological one, as healthcare systems often lack the tools to detect and manage risks early.

Maternal anemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, is a global issue that impacts both mothers and babies. This condition increases the risk of postpartum complications, emergency blood transfusions, and poor neonatal outcomes. Many cases of anemia go undetected during routine prenatal visits due to outdated screening methods. By the time it’s identified, treatment options are often limited, leading to costly and urgent interventions.

The equity implications are also significant. Maternal anemia disproportionately affects underserved populations, contributing to racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Early detection is not only a clinical priority but also a vital step towards advancing health equity.

The Case for IV Iron Infusions

Intravenous (IV) iron infusions offer a transformative approach to managing maternal anemia. Unlike oral supplements, which are often slow and poorly tolerated, IV iron delivers rapid improvements in hemoglobin levels. Studies have shown that IV iron can reduce the need for emergency transfusions, improve oxygenation for mothers and babies, and cut down on preterm births and extended hospital stays.

The financial benefits are clear, too. Treating 30% of anemic patients in a practice managing 1,000 pregnancies annually could prevent several transfusions and preterm births, saving $32,000 while generating $47,600 in IV iron revenue—a net gain of nearly $80,000. Proactive IV iron therapy turns these outcomes into strategic advantages for OB/GYN practices.

The Role of Advanced Reporting

Effective maternal care depends on data-driven decision-making. However, many healthcare systems lack integrated reporting tools, leading to fragmented data and missed opportunities for improvement. Advanced reporting platforms provide real-time insights into patient populations, screening performance, and treatment outcomes. These analytics support better care strategies while meeting quality metrics tied to healthcare reimbursement.

Comprehensive reporting is especially critical as practices strive to reduce maternal complications, improve patient satisfaction, and optimize resource allocation. Accurate, actionable data is no longer optional—it’s essential for driving excellence in maternal care.

Introducing hc1 HerCare™

hc1 HerCare revolutionizes maternal risk management through automation and advanced analytics. The platform integrates seamlessly with EHR systems, using proprietary algorithms to identify at-risk patients and prioritize care. Automated alerts and treatment recommendations are delivered directly into clinical workflows, enabling providers to act quickly and effectively.

HerCare also features a robust reporting suite, offering visibility into key metrics like anemia screening rates and patient outcomes. This empowers healthcare leaders to optimize care programs and demonstrate measurable success.

Why Proactive Risk Management Matters

Shifting from reactive to proactive care is a game-changer in maternal health. Early risk detection not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances operational efficiency and financial performance for OB/GYN practices. hc1 HerCare enables this shift by providing the tools needed to identify and address risks before they escalate.

The future of maternal care lies in predictive analytics, seamless automation, and evidence-based protocols. HerCare equips providers with the resources to transform their approach, ensuring every mother and baby receives the exceptional care they deserve.

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Melissa Hollo is a Director of Program Management for hc1. Melissa partners with clients to identify opportunities for operational efficiency, standardization, and quality improvement, while also ensuring that solutions are scalable and tailored to meet unique organizational needs. By integrating advanced analytics with proven process improvement methodologies, she enables hospitals and health systems to deliver measurable results in both patient care and financial performance. Previously, Melissa held progressive leadership positions within large healthcare systems, including University Hospitals in Cleveland, where she consistently applied Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and build high-performing teams.

By Michelle Coovert
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July 8, 2025

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, clinical laboratories face a pivotal question: should they divest their outreach volume or strategically invest to transform the lab from a cost center into a significant revenue driver? This decision is critical, especially with rising supply expenses, labor shortages, and declining reimbursement rates making profitability challenging. 

A recent webinar hosted by hc1, featuring Michelle Coovert, VP of Laboratory Growth, John Moyer, Senior Product Director, and Susan Dougherty, Client Engagement Executive, delved into the complexities of laboratory outreach programs and offered actionable strategies for growth and profitability.

Navigating the Build vs. Sell Conundrum

The choice between selling outreach volume and investing in laboratory growth is often driven by an organization’s strategic plan and financial position. Selling can provide an immediate infusion of capital and serve as an exit strategy, especially when the market offers a considerable premium for outreach businesses. 

However, as Michelle Coovert noted, “the forward looking impact of maybe selling that business and what you lose in terms of marketing and sales, provider satisfaction, and kind of controlling the results portion of laboratory testing can play an impact, too.” Investing in growth, conversely, allows for lowered overall costs and sustained profitability, turning the laboratory into a revenue-generating asset for the healthcare system.

The hc1 Approach: People, Process, and Technology

hc1 advocates for a multi-pronged approach to laboratory growth, integrating people, process, and technology to inform strategic decisions. Program management, by definition, involves coordinating, monitoring, and controlling the various projects that constitute a successful laboratory outreach strategy. Key critical success factors include market assessment, sales management, connectivity, and technology. 

Susan Dougherty emphasized this, stating, “you need to be successful in all of those areas if you’re going to be able to meet whatever the organizational goals are related to the program.” This holistic view ensures that all facets of the outreach program are aligned and optimized for success, from identifying market opportunities to developing a strategic plan and executing it effectively.

Data-Driven Decisions and Advanced Technology

Capturing expected volume, especially from affiliated physicians who may not be sending all their lab work in-house, is a significant growth opportunity. This is where technology plays a crucial role. hc1’s ProviderView solution empowers laboratories to identify and target specific providers and locations for business growth. This tool leverages data points such as specialty breakdown, payer mix, diagnosis codes, and CPT codes to ensure targeting the right fit for the lab’s services. 

John Moyer highlighted the importance of actionable data: “We want to make the news and make a difference. And part of that is real-time data.” By providing real-time, data-driven insights, hc1 enables proactive decision-making, allowing sales and growth teams to have intelligent conversations with physician groups and ensure testing aligns with business profitability and patient interests.

Seamless Operations and Interoperability

Effective growth extends beyond sales to encompass seamless service operations and robust data interoperability. A successful outreach program requires coordination across multiple departments, including billing, compliance, and logistics. hc1’s platform integrates these functions, providing a holistic view of operations and ensuring that all teams are synchronized. This prevents issues like the laboratory being overwhelmed by unexpected volume increases or types of testing, as the lab has a heads-up of what’s coming. 

Furthermore, the platform helps identify “leakage” – when physicians send work elsewhere – allowing health systems to capture more volume. As Moyer explained, the platform acts as a “command center” that breaks down data silos and integrates information from various source systems like EMRs, LIS, and billing systems, offering a complete picture for informed decision-making.

 

For health system and clinical laboratory leaders looking to foster growth and increase revenue, the decision to invest in a laboratory outreach program is a strategic imperative. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates people, process, and cutting-edge technology, and by leveraging data to drive actionable insights, organizations can transform their laboratories into strategic assets that not only contribute significantly to the healthcare system’s revenue but also enhance provider and patient satisfaction. 

hc1 offers the expertise, technology, and partnership to navigate these complexities and achieve sustainable growth. To learn more about our suite of Operational Excellence solutions, watch our recent webinar on-demand.

____________________

Michelle Coovert serves as Vice President of hc1’s Growth pillar, where she assumes an executive leadership role focused on the Go To Market strategy for this portfolio of solutions. Michelle has over 10 years of experience executing process improvement projects while applying adult learning skills to develop and lead system training programs for continuous improvement methodologies. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Education from Indiana University, and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).

By Michelle Coovert
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June 17, 2025

As hospitals and health systems face rising costs and declining reimbursements, many healthcare leaders are evaluating whether or not to sell their laboratory outpatient testing to a large reference lab. While a sale can provide short-term financial relief, investing in and growing a lab outreach business can generate significant long-term gains while driving provider and patient satisfaction. Read on for a few of the many direct benefits of a healthy clinical lab outreach program.

Maximize Physician Inreach to Grow Revenue

When health system labs think about outreach growth, often the first thing that comes to mind is capturing testing from non-affiliated providers and becoming a pseudo-reference lab. However, it is estimated that close to 50% of health system employed physician offices refer their lab work to an outside laboratory. 

This alone represents almost $3 billion in lost revenue to health system laboratories per year, according to hc1 data on file. Therefore, focusing just on testing from affiliated providers, or inreach, can provide significant financial benefit to a health system outreach program.

Maintain Control Over Quality and Service

When a health system sells its outpatient testing to a large reference lab, they lose control over testing quality, service levels, and a touchpoint with local providers and care teams. This can potentially result in increased turnaround times and increased patient length of stay, leading to provider dissatisfaction and increased burden on patients.

By retaining and investing in the laboratory, health systems can ensure that they’re providing the highest levels of quality and service to providers and patients. This assurance can also be a strong differentiator to convince providers – whether affiliated or not – to send their testing to the health system.

Build Your Brand to Grow Other Ancillary Services

A well-structured laboratory outreach program can significantly enhance a health system’s brand and reputation within the community. By providing accessible, high-quality laboratory services, the health system creates a tangible connection with local providers and patients. This direct engagement, often through convenient outpatient collection sites, acts as a vital brand-building opportunity. 

This increased trust and brand recognition can then naturally drive business to other ancillary services offered by the health system, such as imaging, physical therapy, or specialty clinics. The lab acts as a crucial entry point, building loyalty and encouraging patients to utilize the full spectrum of services available within the health system, ultimately driving broader business growth.

 

hc1 redefines how labs expand their reach, build provider relationships, and capture new revenue – all within a unified, data-powered platform. To learn more about our Outreach Optimization offering, register for our upcoming webinar.

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Michelle Coovert is the Vice President of Marketing for Laboratory Outreach and Growth at hc1, where she helps labs build sustainable, strategic growth programs in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. With a background in lab operations and a passion for solving outreach challenges, Michelle brings a practical yet forward-looking approach to enabling lab leaders to scale their impact. Her work focuses on connecting the dots between data, technology, and provider relationships – empowering labs to grow with intention, not luck. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Education from Indiana University, and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).

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May 27, 2025

This year’s inaugural hc1 Healthcare Innovation Summit was nothing short of extraordinary. Held alongside the iconic Indianapolis 500, the event brought together healthcare leaders, innovators, and partners for two days of high-performance insights, networking, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A Unique Blend of Business and Racing

The hc1 Healthcare Innovation Summit was designed to inspire and empower healthcare executives to drive high-performance results in their organizations. By tying the event to the high-speed world of IndyCar racing, we created a unique environment where attendees could explore parallels between high-performance racing and high-performance healthcare.

From engaging keynote sessions to exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Summit offered a perfect mix of education, networking, and entertainment.

Key Highlights from the Healthcare Innovation Summit

Inspiring Keynotes and Panels:

Industry leaders shared actionable insights on topics like healthcare innovation, operational efficiency, and patient-centered care. These sessions sparked meaningful discussions and left attendees with practical strategies to implement in their organizations.

Exclusive Trackside Experiences:

Attendees enjoyed private access to the Gasoline Alley Suites, overlooking the iconic track. They also had the chance to meet driver Jack Harvey, tour the garage area, and immerse themselves in the high-energy atmosphere of the Indy 500.

Networking and Collaboration:

The Healthcare Innovation Summit fostered valuable connections. Whether during interactive sessions, meals, or trackside activities, attendees had ample opportunities to exchange ideas and build relationships.

High-Performance Healthcare Messaging:

The Summit reinforced hc1’s commitment to empowering healthcare organizations with innovative solutions. Through expert thought leadership, we showcased how high-performance principles can transform healthcare delivery.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The hc1 Healthcare Innovation Summit was more than just an event – it was a catalyst for change. As we reflect on the incredible moments we shared, we’re excited to keep the momentum going.

We’re already planning next year’s Summit, and we can’t wait to build on the success of this year’s inaugural event. Sign up here to stay up-to-date on the 2026 hc1 Healthcare Innovation Summit, and thank you to everyone who made this event an unforgettable experience.

Together, let’s continue driving high-performance results in healthcare!

 

By Kelly Lucas
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May 20, 2025

Differentiating hc1 from global management consulting firms is essential – especially when a healthcare institution has already worked with one of these large firms on a laboratory consulting project and is seeking fresh, tangible value. Here’s a clear comparison that highlights our unique advantages.

1. Healthcare Specialization vs. General Strategy

  • hc1: 100% focused on healthcare operations, especially in clinical lab services, pathology, blood management, and clinical transformation.
  • Large Firms: Known for high-level strategic consulting across industries; healthcare is one vertical among many.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1 brings depth over breadth – we speak the same clinical language, understand regulatory pressures, and move faster on implementation by already having the subject matter expertise.

2. Implementation-Driven vs. Strategy-Only

  • hc1: We stay on the ground to execute the strategy—process redesign, change management, technology integration, benchmarking, and more.
  • Large Firms: Primarily focus on strategic frameworks and recommendations, often leaving execution to the client or third-party implementers.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1 brings the team, tools, and training needed to deliver change – not just advise it.

3. Clinical and Operational Alignment

  • hc1: Deep expertise in areas like lab operations, blood utilization, Epic Beaker transitions, digital pathology, and clinical efficiency.
  • Large Firms: Tend to operate at the enterprise or financial level, with less emphasis on day-to-day clinical workflows.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1 bridges the gap between finance, operations, and frontline clinicians – ensuring sustainable solutions.

4. Faster ROI with Focused Deliverables

  • hc1: Projects are targeted and outcomes-driven, often producing ROI in 3–6 months through lab cost savings, staffing optimization, or improved throughput.
  • Large Firms: Multi-million dollar engagements that may take months just to assess and define strategy, especially in large institutions.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1’s speed, flexibility, and clinical precision deliver value faster, with less institutional fatigue.

5. Transparent Collaboration vs. Executive-Focused Approach

  • hc1: Works side-by-side with clinical and operational teams, building internal capabilities and buy-in at every level.
  • Large Firms: Often work primarily with executive leadership, which can create a disconnect between strategy and frontline execution.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1 builds organizational alignment and lasting cultural change – not just executive slide decks.

6. Clinical Lab & Pathology Expertise

  • hc1: Recognized leader in lab transformation, digital pathology, PBM, and Epic Beaker transitions – core areas of interest.
  • Large Firms: May engage lab experts for specific projects but lack the long-term lab infrastructure and focus.
  • ✅ Why it matters: hc1 isn’t learning your lab on the job – we’ve optimized dozens like it through laboratory consulting projects.

Bonus: We Complement Management Consulting Firms’ Work

If a large firm already set the strategic direction, hc1 can step in to operationalize and sustain it – making us partners, not replacements.

 

By helping lab leaders overcome complex financial, staffing, and supply chain challenges through comprehensive laboratory consulting services, hc1 enables healthcare organizations to unlock their labs’ full potential. To learn more about our suite of Operational Excellence solutions, watch our recent webinar on-demand.

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Kelly Lucas, MSM, BSMT(ASCP), is responsible for working with laboratory clients to identify opportunities that optimize operations and delivery savings against commitments. She brings over 30 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations with multi-facility healthcare clinicians and administrators to deliver high quality patient care while simultaneously meeting regulatory and business demands. Kelly strives to provide innovative and meaningful information to our clients that drive optimization of operational efficiencies and bring value to the client. She has a proven record of driving consensus among diverse stakeholders, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships. She has developed strategies for core lab optimization, consolidation/centralization, and supply chain improvements.

By Katie Benyo
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May 6, 2025

Clinical laboratories are the bedrock of healthcare, providing essential data that drives up to 70% of medical decisions. Yet, many labs today grapple with significant operational hurdles, often stemming from a lack of access to real-time, actionable data. In a recent hc1 webinar, experts Kelly Lucas, Client Engagement Executive, and Jennifer Maxwell, Executive Director, Client Success, delved into these challenges with me and discussed how health systems and lab leaders can achieve operational excellence by viewing the lab as a strategic asset.

The Data Disconnect in Lab Operations

Despite generating vast amounts of data for patient diagnostics, a significant gap exists in how effectively labs utilize data for their own operational management. A survey cited in the webinar revealed that only 12% of lab professionals have access to data analytics across all of their operations, and a mere 26% of those have access to real-time data. This lack of real-time insight hinders forward-thinking decision-making, impacting everything from process improvement and staffing to cost reduction.

“By not being able to have real time insight into data, it really puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to forward thinking – improving processes, looking at staffing, helping to reduce cost – because everything that they’re looking at is not real-time.”
–Kelly Lucas

Without immediate visibility into performance, labs are often reactive, addressing issues only after they’ve impacted turnaround time, strained resources, or incurred expenses.

Addressing Core Challenges: Workflows, Staffing, and Cost

The primary challenges facing laboratory leaders – inefficient workflows, persistent staffing shortages, and relentless cost pressures – have remained consistent over recent years. Making the best use of existing technical staff is crucial, especially in an environment where labor constraints make it challenging to keep up with varying workloads throughout the day and across different testing areas. Furthermore, controlling costs remains an everyday priority – healthcare and laboratory leaders are faced with the challenge of lowering costs across the board while still driving additional value.

Strategic Asset vs. Ancillary Service

To truly overcome these challenges and drive innovation, labs must transition from being viewed as an ancillary service to being recognized as a strategic asset within the healthcare system. This means bringing the lab to the forefront and highlighting the immense value it delivers in driving patient care and supporting the financial performance of the organization.

“Viewing the lab as a strategic asset really means that labs need to bring themselves from being an ancillary service, or a ‘nice to have,’ to really being at the forefront as an essential service. We are a ‘must have’ and we are helping drive patient care.”
–Kelly Lucas

hc1 approaches lab optimization comprehensively, focusing on both strategy and operations. Our Strategic Advisory team helps executives understand various opportunities and their complex financial implications, while our Operations Management team assists in executing those strategies. This dual focus ensures that large-picture financial goals are supported by efficient day-to-day operations.

Optimizing Supply Chain Management

Along with labor expenses, supply chain costs have become a significant area of focus for healthcare systems, having increased rapidly in recent years. Healthcare expenses are outpacing inflation, and lab expenses specifically are increasing at an even faster rate. Effective supply chain management in the lab is therefore crucial for operational and financial health.

hc1 has a team of experts dedicated to healthcare supply chain management who work to help clients save significantly on lab supply, equipment, and reference testing costs. Our team leverages lab expertise, proprietary benchmarking, skilled negotiation, and strong vendor relationships built on trust, to secure the best possible prices for clients.

The Power of a Comprehensive Platform and Expertise

hc1 offers a comprehensive solution that combines both technology and advisory services to address the multifaceted needs of the laboratory. Across the platform, several key solutions are:

  • hc1 Performance Analytics, which provides real-time visibility into volume, turnaround time, spend, and productivity
  • hc1 Service Advantage, which enables resolution of quality and service issues, along with trending data on performance
  • hc1 Workforce Optimization, which uses AI and machine learning to provide volume projections and staffing recommendations, based on historical volumes and HRIS data
  • hc1 Sendout Management, which provides a single view of all reference testing to analyze cost, volumes, and turnaround time performance

Complementing the technology is our team of experienced laboratorians who act as trusted advisors, helping clients achieve significant results.

“We can’t just focus on the technology component. It takes a combination of all three: people, process, and technology. I think it’s important to note that hc1 is not just an analytics platform, we’re not just technology, and we’re not just a group of consultants coming in to complete a project. We are a comprehensive solution that is able to deliver across all the needs of the laboratory.”
–Jennifer Maxwell

The Journey to Continued Excellence

Operational excellence in the lab is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. Labs that prioritize this journey, leveraging data and embracing change, become more efficient, effective, and better equipped to handle challenges. The future of lab operations will undoubtedly involve increased adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and further innovation. By focusing on operational excellence, health systems and clinical laboratory leaders can not only improve financial performance but also enhance patient outcomes, reinforcing the lab’s critical role as the cornerstone of healthcare.

Through the effective utilization of real-time analytics and automation, labs can optimize quality and service, reduce cost, and increase efficiency – all without increasing staff workload. To learn more about hc1’s suite of Operational Excellence solutions, watch our recent webinar on-demand.

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Katie Benyo has almost twenty years of experience in healthcare and performance improvement. As Vice President of hc1’s Lab Operational Excellence pillar, she assumes an executive leadership role focused on the Go To Market strategy for this portfolio of solutions. Prior to joining hc1 in 2016, Katie was most recently a Senior Performance Improvement Specialist for a multi-institutional healthcare system. She holds a Bachelor’s in Community Health from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University. She is a NAHQ-Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), an ASQ-Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), a TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer through AHRQ, and holds a Certificate in Laboratory Quality Management Systems from CLSI. A thought leader in her field, Katie has given over 90 podium presentations, webinars, guest lectures, etc. on healthcare performance improvement, and she has published nine articles on related topics.

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