Allina Health reports lab service improvements after outsourcing
MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES — Allina Health has reported significant improvements in patient care disruptions one month after outsourcing its laboratory work to Quest Diagnostics.
The decision to partner with Quest Diagnostics, a New Jersey-based lab provider, was intended to enhance care quality, address staffing shortages, and reduce costs. However, the initial phase encountered several challenges.
The transition, which began on September 16, initially led to confusion and concern among healthcare providers and patients.
Amanda Warner, a family nurse practitioner at Allina, expressed frustration: “I don’t know how to order labs for our patients; we don’t know the appropriate tests that Quest is going to be able to run.”
Delays in lab results and disrupted patient care
Healthcare providers reported that the change caused delays in lab results and disrupted patient care. “Labs aren’t getting run, or they’re getting delayed with the results,” Warner noted, highlighting the impact on timely patient care.
In response to these issues, Allina Health and Quest Diagnostics acknowledged the problems in a joint email sent on September 24. The email admitted that the transition was not proceeding as planned: “Despite a great deal of planning, this isn’t going as expected or as planned. Simply put, it’s not acceptable.”
Allina Health’s commitment to improvement
Allina Health CEO Lisa Shannon addressed the situation in an internal video message to providers.
She acknowledged the unexpected challenges and their impact on care teams and patients. “I acknowledge there have been more challenges than we or Quest expected,” Shannon stated, recognizing the strain caused by long wait times for patients.
In response to these difficulties, Allina Health has swiftly implemented clinical solutions aimed at resolving the issues. A statement from Allina Health to FOX 9 emphasized their commitment to patient safety and quality care: “We have seen significant improvements and assure patients that Allina Health is available to address their care needs.”
Unionization efforts among providers
Amid these challenges, some Allina providers have organized as a union to advocate for better involvement in decisions affecting patient care.
Dr. Abbe Penziner-Bokde, a direct care pediatrician, emphasized the dedication of healthcare workers: “We love the work we do, taking care of patients, and we know we need to do that job at the level Allina employees promised our patients.”
As Allina Health continues its partnership with Quest Diagnostics, efforts are being made to ensure that patient care standards are upheld and disruptions are minimized.
