Rainy Lake Medical Center officials are proud to announce that Hayley Lehman, a dedicated member of the laboratory team, has successfully identified and implemented a cost-saving initiative that has saved the organization more than $38,000 annually.
Hayley, a lab technician who has been with RLMC for five years, has a knack for finding innovative solutions. Last year, she noticed the procalcitonin test, used to help providers identify sepsis, had very low utilization. Most providers preferred using the lactic acid test for the same purpose, as antibiotic therapy criteria rely more on lactic acid results.
Taking advantage of RLMC’s Employee Cost Saving and Net Revenue Incentive Program, which incentivizes employees to cut costs or capture revenue, Hayley brought her idea to laboratory director, Kim Usery. Together, they explored the project, surveying providers to ensure patient care wouldn’t be negatively impacted by removing the test and examining the costs associated with maintaining the procalcitonin test.
“I started asking questions about the test utilization, then Kim told me to submit an idea application (to the program),” Hayley said. “It feels really good when you have an idea and people listen to you.”
Their findings showed that eliminating the procalcitonin test would save RLMC more than $38,000 annually. After receiving approval from the RLMC executive team in March 2024, the project was implemented.
A year later, a review confirmed the savings and ensured patient care remained unaffected. Hayley will receive 5 percent of the savings as part of the RLMC program.
“Hayley is always looking at processes and how we can save time,” Kim said. “It only goes to show that she found a way to save on expenses, too.”
RLMC CEO Robb Pastor agreed.
“Hayley’s initiative and dedication are truly commendable,” he said. “Her ability to identify and implement cost-saving measures not only benefits our organization financially but also reinforces our commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care. We are incredibly proud of her contributions and the positive impact she continues to make at RLMC.”
About Rainy Lake Medical Center
Rainy Lake Medical Center is a leading provider of top-notch medical services for the Borderland communities. Our comprehensive range of services includes emergency care, surgery, cardiology rehabilitation and diagnostics, chemotherapy and infusion therapy, family medicine clinics, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, therapy services, sleep studies, laboratory services, respiratory therapy, and orthopedics. RLMC is committed to delivering compassionate care to all our patients. Additionally, RLMC offers both acute and skilled nursing services through our swing bed care program. For more information, visit: rainylakemedical.com.
Hayley Lehman