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Tulsa Medical Laboratory (TML) is a CAP-accredited, independently owned anatomic pathology group that offers a full range of diagnostic services for its clients in Northeastern Oklahoma. TML implemented Orchard® Enterprise Pathology™ (OEP) in August 2023 as a replacement for an outdated anatomic pathology laboratory information system (APLIS) that the lab had used for more than 20 years. TML experienced immediate cost savings with Orchard Enterprise Pathology and are continuing to find new areas to improve return on investment (ROI) and implement new efficiencies.

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Testing

TML specializes in surgical pathology, cytopathology, dermatopathology, as well as several other surgical subspecialty areas. The laboratory has 54 employees, including 9 pathologists who provide services for various hospitals and medical practices in the region. Each year, TML processes approximately 30,000 surgical and dermatopathology specimens, 25,000 Pap smears, 8,000 non-GYN cytologies, and 34,000 molecular tests, including HPV and other STI testing.

TML & Orchard Software Align Goals for Best Patient Care

TML’s quest for an updated APLIS involved a thorough search vetting several APLISs. Orchard’s pathology solution was selected based on its ease of use and flexibility. TML decision makers also appreciate the unique ability to create their own interfaces and the willingness of Orchard’s team to thoroughly listen to their ideas and requirements. Orchard and TML put patient care first, and this aligned focus has been the cornerstone of a mutually beneficial partnership.

 

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“Orchard Software was selected for its ease of use, the accessibility and customizability of the various components to fit our needs, as well as the open nature of the design. We also appreciate the implementation team listening to our needs and incorporating our ideas for the system.”

Anne V. Herdman Royal, MD, Tulsa Medical Laboratory
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Pathology-focused Partners

Excited woman pointing at a microscopeRight from the start, Orchard’s system proved to be equal or better than their previous solution in terms of efficiency for pathologists. And with each OEP update, TML gains more improvements and benefits.

The pathologists at TML appreciate the opportunity to have input in ongoing system development—improving how the solution helps pathologists provide best care for their clients and patients.

 

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“Orchard is extremely open to hearing our ideas and working together to solve issues. They listen, and it is rewarding to be a part of making the system better. The Orchard Software team that we interacted with from day one is pathology-focused. They have obviously built their team with individuals that come from a pathology background. When we ask questions, it is clear they are  answering not only from an IT systems standpoint, but also from a pathology-focused standpoint. This is so very important when working out system problems. The IT vendor has to understand the unique and complex issues that pathologists work with on a daily basis.”

Anne V. Herdman Royal, MD, Tulsa Medical Laboratory
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woman using a microscope in labProblems Solved & Key Benefits

TML has realized significant benefits from its Orchard Enterprise Pathology implementation. Their reports have improved, voice recognition integration is working smoothly, and they have been able to cut many unnecessary steps out of their processes. They have eliminated transcription and automated many manual processes such as the follow-up algorithm for pap smears and molecular testing.

Several middleware providers have been eliminated, and paper use has been greatly reduced. All of these changes add up to significant cost savings, and clients are pleased with the reporting and improved turnaround time. Overall, the new solution provides the tools and automation that allows TML to more efficiently manage their entire workflow while simultaneously reducing costs.

Reaping the Rewards – Significant ROI

graphic of Tulsa Medical Lab's savings and efficiency gainsWith Orchard Enterprise Pathology implementation, TML’s ROI has been immediate. As system costs for Orchard Enterprise Pathology are similar to what the lab was paying for its previous system, savings have been significant and immediate. TML has saved about $10,000 per month through middleware. They reallocated staff to other duties.

TML continues to find ways to leverage Orchard Enterprise Pathology for additional savings. For example, they plan to eliminate several printers and copiers that are no longer needed to reduce spending. “There were several middleware providers that we were immediately able to eliminate because Orchard does every aspect of that. We are still finding money savings from the switch—seeing new ways weekly that Orchard is improving our workflow and efficiency,” Dr. Herdman Royal said.

Plans to Grow Together – A Bright Future

Orchard Software and TML will continue to collaborate to add features and functionality to Orchard Enterprise Pathology that help pathologists provide best patient care. It is partnerships like this one that enable Orchard to provide superior LIS products and services, and we look forward to a long, productive relationship.

“It is apparent that Orchard has invested in building a team of people that really understand pathology, which I think is unique. Working with the Orchard team has been a much superior partnership in comparison to other vendors we have worked with,” Dr. Herdman Royal said.