Seattle Radiologists Utilizes MedInformatix EMR and RIS Solutions to Earn First Meaningful Use Certified Incentives in Washington State

SEATTLE, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle Radiologists, a multi-facility imaging practice located in Seattle, Washington, is the first radiology practice in Washington state and the second in the United States to earn incentive payments given by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator - Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) for demonstrating meaningful use. MedInformatix Version 7.5 was one of the earliest RIS systems to successfully attest and become certified to meet Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment act (ARRA). Seattle Radiologists will now begin to receive incentive payments of up to $44,000 per qualified radiologist spread over the next five years.

In 2011, Seattle Radiologists considered upgrading their previous RIS vendor to a web-based version, but decided to look to the future and investigate an integrated RIS and EHR service, instead of a modular solution. At the time, MedInformatix was one of the only ONC-ATCB certified RIS vendors in the marketplace, and it also offered an integrated complete EHR package. Certifications are managed by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT), an independent nonprofit that reviews EHR solutions based upon functionality, interoperability, and security criteria.

The practice went live with MedInformatix in August of 2011. In order to improve care quality and eliminate break points, the practice went from 760 steps in the workflow process to 50 percent less while implementing MedInformatix. The practice found a 95 percent reduction in paperwork after the MedInformatix implementation was completed. Process optimization realized through MedInformatix implementation and other integrated efficiencies that incorporated The Toyota Production System (Lean) principles will allow the practice to take on more patients and expand its referral network without requiring additional resources.

The primary goal for the practice is to use the RIS/EHR solution to collect patient information at the point of service in order to improve the quality of care and prevent any data errors. MedInformatix plays an integral role in of the practice's commitment to operational efficiencies and improvements in patient safety. Since implementation, the practice has experienced a more uniform level of care throughout the entire patient care cycle.

"We are very pleased to be the first radiology practice in the state of Washington to receive payments for Stage 1 Meaningful Use," said Karen Leppert, CEO of Seattle Radiologists. "By using MedInformatix's EHR and RIS we are able to best meet the needs of patients and their families as an integrated accountable care delivery system, while lowering costs, which results in savings that are passed along to our patients, partners and the community. Patient safety has improved through better medication reconciliation, as well as better image archiving and distribution through the RIS. Our insurance eligibility and scheduling has also dramatically improved due to new processes and less redundancies."

Stages 2 and 3 of meaningful use will address additional information exchange capabilities, including overall quality, safety and efficiency data, which support consumer informed decision making as the ultimate goal toward improvement in the U.S. population's overall health.

Seattle Radiologists provides quality imaging services from two outpatient centers located on First Hill in Seattle, Washington. In business for over 50 years, Seattle Radiologists offers a variety of services including MRI, CT, PET-CT, ultrasound, myelography, arthrography, and pain management procedures. For more information, visit www.searad.com.

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

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