The rise of telemedicine has dramatically increased demand for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), as labs now handle remote sample submissions and virtual test requests. With telehealth visits in the U.S. surging from 11% of total consultations in 2019 to 38% in 2023 (Statista), labs must manage a growing volume of tests ordered via digital platforms, driving LIS adoption to streamline these workflows. Market Research Future’s analysis underscores how telemedicine is reshaping the LIS market, creating new opportunities for vendors.

Telemedicine generates unique LIS requirements. Patients can now order tests online (e.g., via platforms like Teladoc), requiring LIS to auto-validate requests (e.g., checking insurance coverage, prior authorization) before sample collection. Remote sample tracking is also critical; LIS must monitor courier locations, temperature conditions, and delivery times to ensure sample integrity. For instance, a patient submitting a COVID-19 test via a telehealth app can track its status via the LIS portal, from pickup to result delivery. These features have made telemedicine-compatible LIS a must-have: 65% of labs with telehealth partnerships report increased LIS usage, with 40% citing faster result turnaround as a key benefit.

Adoption challenges, however, persist. Many LIS systems lack APIs to connect with telehealth platforms, requiring manual data entry. For example, a lab using a legacy LIS may need to copy-paste patient info from a telehealth app into the LIS, increasing errors. Data privacy is another concern; transmitting patient data between telehealth platforms and LIS must comply with HIPAA, adding complexity. Labs also struggle with remote sample validation: without in-person checks, ensuring samples are correctly labeled or collected (e.g., proper blood draw technique) becomes difficult, risking invalid results.

To address these gaps, vendors are developing telemedicine-specific LIS modules. Siemens Healthineers’ TeleLIS add-on integrates with 50+ telehealth platforms, auto-populating test orders and tracking samples via GPS. Oracle’s Cerner LIS now includes a “remote validation” feature, using AI to cross-check patient demographics and test requirements, reducing manual effort. As telemedicine becomes a standard care component, labs without tele-compatible LIS will face declining partnerships. For stakeholders, investing in these integrations is critical. Market Research Future’s Telemedicine and LIS Market Synergies report explores how virtual care drives LIS demand, offering strategies to align software with telehealth workflows. Access the full report here.