Project Overview

Role: Product Designer

Objective: Design a streamlined version of the diagnostics product tailored for small labs that primarily forward test orders to larger reference labs.

Project Overview

In many regions, small diagnostic labs lack the infrastructure or equipment to process tests in-house. Instead, they act as collection points, forwarding test orders to larger labs or hospitals for processing.

Our objective was to build a lighter version of the existing diagnostics platform that catered specifically to these small labs. Unlike the full-fledged platform (which handled tests, results, panels, billing, and RCM end-to-end), this version was designed to:

• Allow small labs to create and manage test orders.
• Forward orders seamlessly to reference labs.
• Simplify operations without overwhelming users with unnecessary features.

Additionally, a Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) module was a critical part of this project. It ensured smooth handling of ICD code verification and compatibility checks with insurance systems—removing the burden of manual validation.

Problem Statement

• Small Labs Limitation:

  Small labs did not require complex workflows like test result uploads or large-scale reporting, but they still needed a simple way to place and track test orders. The challenge was designing a leaner workflow without compromising functionality.

• Revenue Cycle Management (RCM):

  • Billing and insurance workflows required ICD code validation.
  • Manual validation was error-prone and slow.
  • We needed a system that automatically flagged compatible, non-compatible, or unverified codes.
  • The solution had to simplify billing without exposing small labs to unnecessary complexity.

Design Strategy & Research

To design effectively, I focused on above two main aspects:

Admin Portal

Key learnings & takeaways

• Core Exposure to Lab Operations: Gained deep insights into diagnostic lab workflows. Interestingly, I was able to explain certain operations back to a friend working in a lab in India, highlighting how much I had internalized.
• US vs. India Lab Systems: Learned the nuances of US-based LIS (Laboratory Information Systems) and LMIS (Laboratory Management Information Systems) compared to Indian practices.
• Balancing Complexity & Usability: Designing for “lighter” workflows taught me how to strip down complex products while still retaining their essence.