Surgical Information Systems Renews HFMA Peer Review Designation for Fourth Consecutive Year

ATLANTA, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has recognized the Rules-Based Charging (RBC) solution from Surgical Information Systems ("SIS") as once again consistently meeting the "Peer Reviewed by HFMA" standard. HFMA recently reviewed SIS's offerings as part of the annual evaluation process necessary to maintain SIS Rules-Based Charging (RBC) HFMA Peer Reviewed designation. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080722/SISLOGO )

During the HFMA Peer Review™ process, SIS RBC underwent a rigorous assessment, and it was determined that the solution meets the stringent standards of the Peer Review program in the areas of effectiveness, quality and usability, price, value, and customer and technical support.  HFMA contacted users of the SIS RBC to garner their direct feedback regarding the usability and effectiveness of the solution, as well as the quality of service provided by SIS support staff.  Respondents indicated the following:

• 100% indicated that the product is easy to use
• 100% indicated that the product provides accurate data
• 100% indicated that implementation of the product went smoothly
• 100% indicated that they would recommend the product to colleagues

HFMA respondents said that SIS RBC helps them "improve surgical charging" and "reduce human error."  Respondents touted the system's "ease of use" and "end-user friendliness," saying that it is "very flexible and accurate" and represents a "strong value."

The Peer Reviewed designation is given to products that provide superior customer service and technical support.  SIS achieved Peer Review status renewal after an extensive, voluntary HFMA evaluation involving 11 comprehensive steps that result in the denial of nearly 40 percent of applicants.  

The perioperative department is the financial engine of the hospital; ensuring charges are complete, accurate and on time every time is critical to optimizing revenue that can benefit the entire hospital organization.  SIS RBC does this by capturing charge information as an automatic by-product of the clinical documentation process and submitting it electronically to the billing department. In addition to freeing up valuable time for clinicians, this tool significantly improves reimbursements by eliminating missed charges and late penalties.

"The HFMA Peer Review process has again confirmed what SIS clients have long reported -- that efficient charge capture in the perioperative department can mean significant financial turnarounds for the entire hospital," said SIS CEO Ed Daihl.  "Now more than ever, healthcare providers are seeking proven methods to improve margin and they are finding it with SIS -- the perioperative specialist.  SIS Rules-Based Charging is part of a comprehensive suite of surgical solutions with proven capacity to maximize revenue, decrease costs and improve outcomes in the financial driver of the hospital.  We are honored to have been recognized with HFMA Peer Reviewed designation for the fourth consecutive year."

About SIS

SIS provides software solutions that are uniquely designed to add value at every point of the perioperative documentation process. Developed specifically for the complex surgical environment, all SIS solutions -- including anesthesia -- are architected on a single database and integrate easily with other hospital systems. SIS offers the only surgical scheduling system endorsed by the American Hospital Association (AHA), and a rules-based charging system that has received the Peer Reviewed designation by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Surgical Information Systems' 5.0.3 release is an ONC-ATCB Modular EHR.  This EHR Module 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.

Surgical Information Systems' 5.0.3 release certified on November 19, 2010, Certification ID 11192010-6161-8.

SIS, the SIS logo, and Surgical Information Systems are trademarks of Surgical Information Systems, LLC. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About HFMA

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) provides the resources healthcare organizations need to achieve sound fiscal health in order to provide excellent patient care. With over 35,000 members, HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization of healthcare finance executives and leaders. We provide education, analysis, and guidance; we lead change and innovative thinking; and we create practical tools and solutions that help our members get results. Addressing capital access to improved patient care to technology advancement, HFMA is an indispensable resource on healthcare finance issues. www.hfma.org

For more information visit our website, www.SISFirst.com

SOURCE Surgical Information Systems