Steve Howerton, MLS (ASCP), MPA, DLAM (ASCP) CM | DCCS Laboratory Advisory Leader | DCCS Consulting
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Laboratory Consulting & Advisory Services Leadership
Steve Howerton is a seasoned laboratory executive with nearly four decades of experience leading multi-site hospital and health system laboratory operations. His expertise spans regulatory compliance, operational assessments, strategic growth planning, and performance improvement across complex healthcare environments.
Throughout his career, Steve has helped laboratories align operational performance with organizational, clinical, and financial objectives — ensuring labs operate as high-value strategic assets within the health system.
How Steve Supports DCCS Laboratory Advisory Services
Steve supports DCCS Laboratory Advisory Services by leading hospital and health system laboratory engagements focused on operational improvement, compliance readiness, and sustainable performance.
He conducts end-to-end laboratory assessments, helps clients rightsize test platforms and staffing models, and strengthens quality management systems to support continuous inspection preparedness.
Steve also advises on consolidation and integration initiatives, contract and vendor reviews, supply chain evaluations, and equipment planning—bringing a practical, execution-focused approach that improves productivity, reduces risk, and standardizes workflows without sacrificing service reliability or turnaround time.
Nearly Four Decades of Multi-Site Laboratory Executive Experience
Steve has directed laboratory services across multi-facility health systems, overseeing operations, staffing, quality programs, and capital planning. His experience spans community hospitals, trauma centers, and specialized cancer facilities.
He has successfully:
Led laboratory services across five facilities
Designed and opened new laboratories, including cancer and trauma hospital labs
Guided system-wide operational alignment initiatives
Supported executive teams during periods of growth and restructuring
His depth of experience allows him to quickly assess performance gaps and implement scalable solutions across diverse laboratory settings.
Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation Expertise
Maintaining continuous regulatory readiness is central to Steve’s leadership approach. He has ensured successful compliance with:
FDA regulations
CMS requirements
Joint Commission standards
College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation
Under his leadership, laboratories achieved system-wide CAP accreditation, strengthening quality oversight, patient safety, and inspection preparedness. His proactive compliance strategies reduce organizational risk and protect institutional reputation.
Laboratory Operational Assessments & System Standardization
Steve specializes in comprehensive laboratory operational assessments designed to evaluate workflow, staffing models, instrumentation, and cost structure.
His consulting engagements often include:
Instrument and platform standardization
Vendor contract alignment and optimization
Workflow redesign to improve efficiency
System integration across multi-site networks
These initiatives have generated multimillion-dollar cost savings while improving reliability and service consistency.
Driving Cost Savings and Performance Improvement in Hospital Laboratories
Through Lean methodologies and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Steve has helped laboratories:
Improve turnaround times
Enhance customer and physician satisfaction
Strengthen workforce engagement and retention
Improve overall financial performance
By combining operational discipline with strategic vision, he ensures laboratories deliver measurable value to the health system.
Partnering with Health System Leaders to Strengthen Laboratory Services
As part of DCCS Laboratory Advisory Services, Steve partners with hospital executives, laboratory directors, and operational leaders to:
Conduct detailed operational and compliance assessments
Develop regulatory readiness roadmaps
Implement system standardization strategies
Improve cost structure and margin performance
Position laboratory services for sustainable growth
His collaborative approach supports health systems in achieving both immediate performance improvements and long-term strategic stability.
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