Hub-and-Spoke Clinic Networks: Pharmacy and Lab Billing

A hub-and-spoke network has a central service, such as a lab or a pharmacy, that serves several clinics around it. The model can cut costs and improve quality, but it creates billing and record questions. Who bills the patient, who owns the result, and who holds the stock all need clear answers before the network starts.

How the model works

The clinics, or spokes, send samples, prescriptions or stock requests to the hub. The hub performs the test or dispenses the medicine and returns the result or records the sale. Each spoke may be a separate business with its own patients and billing.

Billing choices

Each choice has tax, contract and reporting consequences. Agree the rule in writing, and confirm it with your accountant before go-live.

Record ownership

The patient record should show which clinic the patient belongs to, which clinic ordered each test, and where each result was sent. This avoids disputes and makes follow-up clear.

Software requirements

Questions to settle before go-live

Where MedeilPlus fits

MedeilPlus supports separate clinic, pharmacy and lab entities with their own billing on one platform, which fits hub-and-spoke arrangements. Confirm the referral, transfer and reporting features during a demo, and agree the billing rules with your accountant first. For the wider integration case, read our integrated clinic software guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a clinic network share one lab?

Yes. Many networks do. The lab should record which clinic ordered each test, and billing should follow the agreed rule.

Do spoke clinics need their own pharmacy software?

Not always. Some networks use one central pharmacy. Decide the model, then choose software that supports it.

What is the biggest risk in a network?

Unclear ownership of records, results and billing. Settle these questions before the first patient is seen.