Clinical Laboratory Services at United Indian Health Services
Vesper Society believes that a just society begins when everyone is well and respected as a human being. We have linked arms with United Indian Health Services (UIHS) in Humboldt County for the past five years to serve the Native American community. Vesper Society extends its gratitude to the health care providers and clinic employees who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deploying essential medical equipment is an important part of delivering quality health care and we are thrilled that Vesper Society was able to support the expansion of laboratory services at UIHS. We interviewed John Reeves, CEO, and Kristie Madden, Laboratory Manager.
What challenges was UIHS facing with the clinical laboratory services?
UIHS outsourced its laboratory services to a third party where specimens were flown to southern California for analysis. Providers had to wait an average of three to five days for results. On some occasions the sample had to be retaken and it was hard to get patients to come back. At other times we had to wait over two weeks for the results which is too long if a patient needs immediate attention.
We wanted to improve the turnaround time for laboratory results to provide same day or next day diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and medication adjustment. This is important for our rural community where some patients live in remote areas and transportation is difficult.
How did you expand the clinical laboratory services?
We installed instruments for hematology, immunochemistry instrument, urine culture, and molecular sexually transmitted disease. In addition, we upgraded the laboratory information system to accommodate more complex testing.
We were so excited about the new analyzers that we nicknamed them “Big Momma” and “Bob.”
What was the impact of installing this new lab equipment?
In one quarter, we performed 3,800 tests. We reduced our third-party expenses by over 70%. Providers received same day/next day results. Our patients are the real beneficiaries. Furthermore, due to our enhanced lab capabilities, we recently entered into a partnership with our local county Public Health Offices in Humboldt and Del Norte as a solution to the sunsetting COVID-19 vendor testing agreements of Optum and Verily.
As a result of this partnership, UIHS will lend its lab expertise and serve as the local COVID-19 reference lab for all residents in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. This collaboration will increase the testing capacity and reduce the turn-around time for both counties!
Can you tell us a story about how this work improved the health and well-being of your community?
We had one 18-month old child who came to the clinic for only the second time. The child had high fever, was pulling at their ears, and had congestion in the chest. Within 20 minutes of the blood test, the provider changed the antibiotics and the parents reported immediate improvement of the child’s symptoms the next day.
A 38-year old man came to the clinic with lower back pain and reduced urine output. After the lab test results, the provider contacted the patient at 5:00 pm on the same day and by 7:00 pm the patient was treated at the emergency room for acute kidney failure.
Do you have plans to expand the laboratory services?
Yes, this is now an important resource for the community. We are reaching out to other Native organizations, Tribal communities and regional County Public Health Offices.
How has the COVID-19 crisis affected UIHS?
With the laboratory expansion, UIHS has been identified as a vital resource in our local healthcare communities. UIHS is now offering testing for COVID-19 for both active virus as well as antibodies. The blood test is available to all UIHS clients, Tribal partners, community healthcare organizations, and first responders. While the swab tests will be available to all residents of Humboldt or Del Norte counties, UIHS will provide the test to both Native and non-Natives.
Vesper Society is proud to support the efforts of United Indian Health Services to create a healthy future and implement long-term solutions that will help communities thrive and prosper.