Phreesia Screening Tool Helps Physician Practices with Autism Early Detection

NEW YORK, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of autism, a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, has risen to one in every 110 births in the United States. As part of its automated check-in process, Phreesia, the patient check-in company, introduced an automated version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), a screening tool to assess risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers aged 16 to 30 months old.

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The traditional paper-based M-CHAT screening process required patients to fill out a 23-question form. Using its wireless, touchscreen PhreesiaPad, which replaces traditional clipboards in doctors' offices, Phreesia's automated M-CHAT electronically administers the screening tool. Physicians using Phreesia's solution have a greater level of confidence that no child is overlooked in the M-CHAT screening process, and they receive more accurate and timely documentation of M-CHAT results, which Phreesia enables them to print out and provide directly to the physician. A PDF version of the M-CHAT results can also be attached to a physician's electronic chart.

Used by thousands of medical practices nationwide, Phreesia automates the patient check-in process. Patients use the PhreesiaPad to enter their demographic, insurance and clinical information, as well as to pay their copayments and balances. In addition to streamlining the check-in process, Phreesia also enhances clinical care, in part through offering a wide array of health risk assessments. Says Dr. Sharon Fleishman, Phreesia's Senior Manager, Clinical Products and Research, "Phreesia is proud to offer the M-CHAT as part of its growing library of health risk assessments. By automating the M-CHAT, Phreesia aims to assist pediatricians in identifying at risk children and subsequently getting them the appropriate early intervention services that have been proven effective."

Phreesia CEO Chaim Indig remarks, "Phreesia is wholly committed to early detection screening and preventive medicine, our clinical risk assessments help us in this pursuit. Our unique platform for patient engagement allows us to facilitate patient-physician dialogue and make patients more active participants in their own healthcare. In this way, we can influence efficiency and quality of care in medical practices."

About Phreesia

Phreesia is the national leader in patient check-in. By automating patient intake, Phreesia allows medical practices to conveniently collect patient information effortlessly, verify insurance and collect payments at the point of care. Phreesia delivers fully interactive content direct to patients, and is designed to interface with clinicians' existing and future technology. Phreesia is committed to enhancing the patient experience and enabling clinicians to stay at the forefront of patient care. For more information visit www.phreesia.com.

SOURCE Phreesia, Inc.