Partnering with a multispecialty group to solve their complex clinical needs

“They had a proven track record of setting these kinds of labs up with other groups,” said Dr. Posner, who also practices as a general surgeon. “We wanted a good product from people who were good to partner with and who would satisfy what the referring physicians needed clinically.”

Even before Dr. Posner accepted the top post in 2020, Starling leadership had begun looking for a way to bring pathology in-house, rather than rely on hospital-based services. In addition to offering more than two dozen specialties, the group already handled its own radiology and clinical labs for its more than 30 locations spread across central Connecticut.

Despite an unexpected delay from the COVID-19 pandemic — contractors became harder to secure and state inspections slowed — ECPC kept the process moving and guided Starling in opening a main pathology lab and a satellite location. ECPC helped hire staff, recommended equipment and oversaw other aspects of a process Dr. Posner described as “turn-key.”

“They were very good chaperones of the whole process because they understood it,” Dr. Posner said.

With operations underway, pathology reports have been thorough, easy to read and timely, Dr. Posner said. Internal data show that 90 percent of reports arrive within 24 hours — about twice as fast as previous providers, Dr. Posner said.

That improvement helps get results to patients faster, Dr. Posner said, as does the ability for Starling and ECPC to link directories in a secure texting platform both groups use. ECPC pathologists frequently use the platform to provide preliminary results and quickly answer any questions about reports.

“The reports are high quality, and the pathologists are easily accessible,” Dr. Posner said. “We’re very happy with it.”