Howard Slutsky (Diagnostic Support Services): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Howard Slutsky is a notable figure in the healthcare services industry, recognized primarily for his role as the co-founder and CEO of Diagnostic Support Services (DS2). Based in Lombard, Illinois, DS2 specializes in providing comprehensive laboratory and medical support services, a niche that Slutsky identified through his extensive experience in the medical laboratory space. His career spans over 30 years, with significant contributions to leading healthcare companies, making him a respected leader in healthcare diagnostics and logistics.

1. Early Career and Education

Howard Slutsky began his career in the healthcare industry with foundational experiences at Quest Diagnostics, a leading medical laboratory services company. He spent nearly 15 years at Quest Diagnostics, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of medical diagnostics. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, which laid the foundation for his professional endeavors.

2. Founding Diagnostic Support Services

In 2020, Howard Slutsky co-founded Diagnostic Support Services with Jared Kearns. DS2 was created to address the unmet needs in healthcare logistics and support services, leveraging proprietary software for enhanced customer experience. Under their leadership, DS2 quickly established itself as a pivotal player in the field, providing services that many healthcare organizations found lacking in the market.

3. Role at Progenity

Before founding DS2, Slutsky was a founding member and held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations at Progenity, a biotechnology company specializing in women’s health genetics testing. His leadership helped Progenity to innovate and expand its market presence, thereby establishing a robust operational structure that supported the company's pioneering initiatives.

4. Contributions to Sequenom

Howard Slutsky was also integral to the development of Sequenom’s molecular diagnostics laboratory, where he spearheaded operations and the creation of the company's first commercial capabilities. His efforts contributed significantly to the advancement of molecular diagnostics, which was a burgeoning field at the time.

5. Diagnostic Support Services' Mission

The mission of DS2 is to streamline laboratory and medical support services, focusing on quality and efficiency. By offering integrated services such as custom kitting, specimen collection, and logistics, DS2 aims to reduce overhead costs and improve client experiences across healthcare organizations.

6. Custom Kitting and Supplies

A significant offering from DS2 includes custom kitting and design services. This involves creating tailored kits for laboratories and healthcare providers, which facilitates easier sample collection and processing. This service underlines DS2’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency for its clients.

7. Specimen Collection and Logistics

DS2 provides comprehensive specimen logistics, including mobile phlebotomy and commercial cargo transportation. This service is critical in ensuring timely and accurate specimen collection and transportation, which is essential for diagnostic accuracy and patient care outcomes.

8. Technology Integration

Howard Slutsky has emphasized the importance of technology in healthcare services. DS2 offers advanced IT integrations, such as EMR (Electronic Medical Records) integrations and LIS/LIMS (Laboratory Information System/Laboratory Information Management System) support, to optimize data handling and improve service delivery.

9. Industry Impact

Howard Slutsky’s innovative approach and leadership in DS2 have significantly impacted the healthcare support services industry. By addressing critical gaps in service delivery and focusing on integrated solutions, DS2 has set new standards in efficiency and customer satisfaction in healthcare logistics.

10. Future Vision

Looking ahead, Howard Slutsky envisions further expansion of Diagnostic Support Services' capabilities, focusing on leveraging technology and enhancing service offerings to meet evolving healthcare demands. His goal is to continually improve patient care and operational efficiency, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.

Conclusion

Howard Slutsky's contributions to the healthcare industry demonstrate his deep commitment to improving medical logistics and support services. As co-founder and CEO of Diagnostic Support Services, he applies over three decades of experience to innovating and leading the field in healthcare support. His work continues to shape the industry, setting benchmarks for quality and comprehensive service delivery, and paving the way for future advancements.