Iggbo Leverages The Sharing Economy To Create New Job Opportunities And Tools For Phlebotomists

RICHMOND, Va., July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Iggbo, the on-demand, anytime/anywhere blood draw service, today announced partnerships with leading providers of services for independent small businesses. Working to elevate the field of professional venipuncture, Iggbo has developed a responsive, location-aware mobile platform that gives phlebotomists real-time access to requests for laboratory tests by ordering physicians. The intent of Iggbo's new partnership program is to support the firm's network of independent phlebotomists and to further leverage the Sharing Economy as a way to create new job opportunities for phlebotomists.

"Phlebotomists working with Iggbo can totally control their schedule, accepting appointments either automatically or with just a couple of clicks," said Nuno Valentine, co-founder and CEO of Iggbo. "Best of all, because they are conducting high-value draws from leading clinical laboratories, they are often doubling their income."

Similar to Uber and other on-demand platforms, Iggbo is playing a leading role in the evolution of the workplace. "For clinical labs, finding the right talent at the right time has always been a challenging task," Valentine said. "That is, until Iggbo."

All participants benefit. Laboratories get access to patient samples through a shared network of technicians. They pay on a variable, per-test basis, without incurring the costs of recruitment and management of in-house staff. Providers, for whom appointment compliance is a major challenge, get a no-cost means of ensuring the tests they order actually take place. The better diagnostic information results in improved treatment and ultimately better patient outcomes.

And phlebotomists, a cost center in traditional medical organizations, become profit centers compensated by the laboratories for whom they provide a vital service. The result is higher compensation and increased control over their careers.

"With Iggbo, the jobs are automatically pushed to qualified phlebotomists to work when they want and where they want," said Mark Van Roekel, president and co-founder of Iggbo. "Technology like Iggbo brings people together in new and more efficient ways."

Recognizing the challenge of transitioning from being a full- or part-time employee to being a successful independent contractor, Iggbo provides a full suite of professional support services –from legal assistance to tax tools. The company has partnered with a variety of leading organizations, each addressing a key need for people running their own businesses.

BD AND LABSCO: From safety needles and butterfly needles to the BD Vacutainer^®, Iggbo makes it easy for phlebotomists to order supplies. BD, a medical technology innovator, is a leader in the clinical laboratory market. Labsco is a provider of a best-in-class portfolio of laboratory solutions.

LEGALZOOM: Understanding the legal requirements of their profession is vital for independent phlebotomists. LegalZoom and Iggbo have teamed up to offer assistance to Iggbo network phlebotomists. Through LegalZoom’s independent network of attorneys and partnership with 1800Accountants, Iggbo phlebotomists can access guidance on protection and safeguards, best practices for independent contractors, and detailed tax instructions.

QUICKBOOKS: Working as a self-employed professional is new to many phlebotomists, so Iggbo has created a strategic partnership with Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, to provide a complete financial support solution. Through a custom QuickBooks portal, phlebotomists can gain access to powerful accounting tools that are purpose-built for the self-employed. The QuickBook portal also helps phlebotomists track deductions, project tax liabilities, structure commingled business and manage personal finances.

TURBOTAX: The longtime leader in computerized tax assistance will provide a dedicated portal offering Iggbo phlebotomists complete tax assistance to ensure legal compliance – and maximize legal deductions – as self-employed professionals.

AMAZON: As members of the Iggbo network, phlebotomists can gain access to free, 2-day business shipping with unlimited deliveries and 20 million eligible items.

Iggbo is now operating in 18 cities and has signed up over 4,000 phlebotomists. "This is a win for everyone," Van Roekel said. "Phlebotomists can work when they want and where they want. And we give them the tools to help make the transition to entrepreneurship as efficient and effective as possible."

To learn more about Iggbo's extensive support system and resources for phlebotomists, visit iggbonow.com/resources.

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SOURCE Iggbo