Washington Imaging Services Achieves Goal of Paperless Environment With MedInformatix RIS

LOS ANGELES, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the heart of Microsoft's home turf, Washington Imaging Services (WIS) of Bellevue, Washington interacts with technologically savvy patients, employees, and referring offices daily. This required that they implement a Radiology Information System that provided the ability to communicate across multiple facilities as well as to referring physician offices and associated Electronic Medical Records (EMR).   What was needed was a total medical software solution that resides on the strength and stability of Microsoft product platforms to provide a single database that supports software solutions from scheduling to revenue cycle management. This would allow them to reduce IT complexity and simplify operating processes.  

The solution was installing the MedInformatix' Radiology Information System (RIS) at its Bellevue and Issaquah locations.  According to Doug Gibson, President and CEO of Washington Imaging Services, it's an investment that is already paying off.

"We are continuing to invest heavily in state-of-the-art clinical technology to advance disease diagnosis and treatment for our patients. In addition to integrating new imaging technologies into our practice, stricter and more complex payer guidelines, economic pressures, a quest for greater efficiencies in staff workflow and an ever increasing need for management data had made us painfully aware of the limitations of our previous information systems.

"We chose MedInformatix over a variety of contenders because of the product's open architecture -- essential for the level of integration we require, its inherent RIS design and robust customization capability.

"Customer Service is at the center of what we do," Gibson noted.  "It was important for us to find a RIS solution that would integrate routine tasks handled by all our employees from all our offices.  We find that it's extremely easy to train employees in how to use MedInformatix, whether those people are new or have ten years of experience.

"MedInformatix offers WIS both user-friendliness and customization - two of our most important purchase considerations," Gibson stated.  "We also needed an end-to-end system that would integrate with our other software packages."

On the revenue management side, WIS' MedInformatix system integrated closely with the Electronic Claims provider, ZirMed.  "Between ZirMed and MedInformatix, we can manage authorizations and eligibility, submit claims to over 500 different carriers electronically, track and analyze claim status and obtain our remittances electronically," commented WIS Revenue Cycle Director Toni Brosio-Ward.  "WIS also has a close relationship with Overlake Imaging Associates," she added, "and WIS is able to import radiology orders, patient reports and charge information directly from the hospital into the practice's RIS."

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 25 years of workflow expertise.  MedInformatix suites of products are 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 specialties it services, MedInformatix  accommodates their needs.  MedInformatix V7.0 is a CCHIT Certified® Ambulatory EHR, additionally certified for Cardiovascular Medicine.  See why so many practices from various specialties choose MedInformatix.  With 13 Microsoft nominations in 8 years, MedInformatix can turn the dream of a paperless, integrated practice into a reality.

About Washington Imaging Services:

Washington Imaging Services (WIS) and its predecessor organizations have provided state-of-the-art medical imaging services to the Bellevue and Eastside communities for over forty years. From standard radiology to advanced techniques that provide clear views of the inner structure and function of the body, our 13 radiologists screen for, evaluate, and diagnose illnesses and injuries from outside the body.  We are pleased to offer a full range of diagnostic exams and procedures in the comfort and convenience of our imaging centers.  These services include: PET/CT, MDCT, Breast MRI, Large Opening, Short Bore 1.5 T MRI, Ultrasound, DEXA, X-Ray, and Fluoroscopy.  Our team commitment to Imaging for Answers provides you and your referring physician with the information needed for faster, more effective treatment and improved care. We offer an advanced IntegradWeb™ system that gives your healthcare professionals quick access to your diagnostic reports and images anytime, anywhere, using a secure online network.

SOURCE MedInformatix