An enterprising healthcare professional has brought a new service to the CSRA that brings new meaning to “house calls.”
Lashanna Person has been a licensed medical assistant for almost nine years. Some six years ago, she said, she happened upon a social media post about a healthcare specialist who had opened a mobile diagnostic lab. Person, also a certified phlebotomist, was intrigued by the idea.
“I wondered if I could do that, draw blood from house to house, like a concierge service,” she said.
Person went on to do a little research on the business model, but at the time couldn’t find information on how to start or get involved with one.
“I let it slide,” said Person.
Person encountered the idea again on social media over two months ago, when she learned mobile phlebotomy services are available in the Atlanta. Lab Lady, Idesta Medical and Fastrak Mobile Lab are some among many in the Atlanta area.
Person believes the rediscovery was nothing short of providential.
“If God gives you a vision and you’re not sure, He’ll give you that vision one more time to let you know, ‘Hey, this is what I want you to do,’” she said. “That’s exactly what happened.”
Person launched LKA Medical Services in October. Individual clients let their physicians know they have a phlebotomist, after which the patient or the doctor can submit lab orders. Then LKA can meet the patient at home, or their place of choice.
“I’m willing to go come to your job, on your lunch break, and get your lab work done, if need be,” she said. “I’m willing to go any and everywhere, wherever I need to go to serve.”
Person’s business services both Columbia and Richmond counties and surrounding areas, and she has found the convenience it provides is welcome.
“They’re excited,” she said, noting both the surprise and appreciation she has encountered so far when people in the community learn about her services. “A lot of them have said ‘We haven’t heard of this before; we’re glad you’ve done it!’”
Person also notes that she’s careful to make the experience just as welcoming.
“It’s not ‘Oh, hey, how you doing? I’m coming to draw blood’ and then that’s it,” she said. “No, we’ll have a conversation, we’ll laugh and joke.”
Currently, LKA Services only offers phlebotomy services, but Person is looking toward also offering telehealth services, such as enabling clients to have their vitals checked at home, and have the results sent to their physician.
For more information on LKA Services, visit its Facebook page, call 762-215-8710, or email LKAMedicalService@gmail.com.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
