Connecticut Radiology Group Leverages MedInformatix RIS to Achieve Stage 1 Meaningful Use Objectives

SOUTHBURY, Conn., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Naugatuck Valley Radiology (NVR), a 120-member practice group with 14 radiologists, credits the fully integrated MedInformatix Radiology Information System (RIS) with enabling its physicians to collect and track patient information electronically to satisfy Stage 1 Meaningful Use objectives and qualify for federal incentive payments in 2012. The certified software system documents patient medications, allergies, receipt of health education materials and other patient data that the radiology group tracks to comply with provisions of the 2009 federal stimulus bill.

The MedInformatix RIS, in tandem with its Electronic Health Records (EHR) component, is certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator - Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) to fulfill Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirements under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Meaningful Use initiative encourages healthcare providers to use certified technology to generate electronic health records and thereby eliminate errors and omissions that can affect the quality of patient care.

"MedInformatix did an excellent job designing and implementing our RIS, which has become the avenue for us to be successful in submitting Meaningful Use documentation to the federal government," said Paul Masotto, NVR Executive Director. "One of the benefits of using MedInformatix's fully integrated practice management system is working with one gold standard of data."

The practice group's RIS automates the entire patient activity cycle in real time, from scheduling to charting to claims processing. Integration of the system with NVR's Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and dictation tools facilitates efficient exchange of patient information among imaging technologists, radiologists and referring physicians, reducing the turnaround time to produce reports for referring physicians.

Patients also can register to view clinical summaries, radiology reports and medical histories securely through the MedInformatix Patient Portal. The practice responds to five times as many daily requests from patients to check those records online than it did before the portal module was first introduced in 2011.

Using MedInformatix, the practice has streamlined workflows, reduced errors and improved cash flow across its four sites that offer diagnostic imaging services including MRI, CT, ultrasound, cardiac stress testing, digital mammography, DEXA bone density testing and laser vein treatments. Among efficiencies produced are the following:

• The system's single database using Microsoft SQLmakes it easy for office and billing staff in different offices to trace insurance claims back to the point when a patient schedules a procedure, eliminating errors that could trigger insurance claim denials and contributing to a 30 percent reduction in outstanding accounts receivable.
• The MedInformatix system integrated with revenue management clearinghouse partner ZirMed reduces errors in claims processing and facilitates patients making online payments.
• Electronic remittance advice from insurance companies posts in real time, avoiding delays in determining the status of a claim.
• Schedulers can view appointment openings across the practice's network at a glance to book patients at the most convenient sites. Registration materials such as insurance cards, driver's licenses and referral orders are scanned into the MedInformatix system, eliminating paper handling and reducing the overall time patients spend in the practice office.
• Technologists can jot electronic notes into the MedInformatix system during a procedure, creating a more complete health record that radiologists can easily access.

New billers, schedulers, technologists and other NVR employees grasp the MedInformatix software easily. "By making patient information readily available, the system has helped facilitate better interaction between staff and patients," Masotto said.

RSNA 2012 Exhibit

MedInformatix will be demonstrating its certified EHR/RIS and Practice Management solution at the RSNA 2012 Annual Meeting being held November 25^th – 30^th in Chicago at McCormick Place. The MedInformatix booth is located in the North Building in Hall B at Booth 7342. To find out how to qualify for Meaningful Use with MedInformatix, visit www.MedInformatix.com, or call (310) 348-7367 to schedule a demonstration.

About MedInformatix:
MedInformatix, Inc. (www.medinformatix.com) is a leading national provider of fully integrated Electronic Health Records. The products have been built around MedInformatix's 25 years of workflow expertise. MedInformatix's suite of products is designed on a single database using Microsoft SQL. Whether the client is a single physician who went live in 1994, a 13-location cardiology practice, the busiest radiology practice in Manhattan, or one of 15 other serviced specialties, MedInformatix accommodates their needs. MedInformatix can turn the dream of a paperless, integrated practice into a reality.

MedInformatix Version 7.5 is now certified to meet 2011-2012 criteria supporting Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as a Complete EHR by the Drummond Group.

This Complete EHR is 2011/2012 compliant and has been certified by an ONC-ATCB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments.

MedInformatix, October 22, 2010, Version 7.5, 1022201024238, Clinical Quality Measures: NQF0013, NQF0421, NQF0041, NQF0024, NQF0028, NQF0038, NQF0059, NQF0061, NQF0064. Additional software used: TrueCrypt v2.0, email software, spreadsheet software.

SOURCE MedInformatix, Inc.