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.
