Did you know technology is available to connect providers to labs through Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) without the exorbitant fees for set-up and annual maintenance common to point-to-point connections? There is also a sustainable business model and revenue stream available for Electronic Health Records (EHR) vendors that embrace the shift to the latest technology.
It is natural for the market to eventually shift to more efficient, more affordable technology over time. However, the demands of Stage 2 Meaningful Use rules will likely expedite the evolution away from the point-to-point business model for laboratory connectivity. For any organization looking to stay at the forefront and maximize revenue, the time is now to integrate the latest technology.
Organizations that have not yet made the shift from the point-to-point model are not alone; we are in the early stages of transitioning. Even at the recent Executive War College on Laboratory & Pathology Management, a conference attracting lab business leaders, vendors and policy makers from across the country, it was clear from discussions that many “EMR Hubs” continue to run on dated, point-to-point connectivity that has high-cost and high-maintenance.
However, the latest technology is poised to lead the industry in a new direction. This technology standardizes lab connections through a single interface. As a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it offers easy implementation and integration, responsive speed in use and little to no ongoing maintenance. This helps accelerate your speed to market with value added solutions for your customers while helping them achieve meaningful use certification.
That last point is significant.
Under the most recently stated rules of Stage 2 meaningful use, at least 40 percent of lab results must be incorporated into EHRs as structured data. Furthermore, Stage 2 doubles (computerized provider order entry) CPOE requirements to 60 percent. Stage 2 will lead to increased order modules in EHRs. This means it will be more important than ever that connectivity between providers and labs be supported through their EMR solutions and that the connectivity extend beyond major labs to include smaller/specialty ones, as well. In fact, according to a recent study*, 57 percent of small practices, 88 percent of large practices and 79 percent of hospitals indicated that achieving Meaningful Use is very important or critically important to their organization. This is a top priority of our industry.
The shift away from the point-to-point model is certainly good news for providers and labs who presently must pay the high fees, wrestle with multiple interfaces and fret about meaningful use compliance. With this new model, providers won’t have to limit their connectivity only to those labs where they do a majority of their work-- the barrier to entry to access all labs is substantially lower.
What is good news for providers and labs is good news for businesses like yours as well. This easy-to-integrate, easy-to-implement technology adds more value to your EHR system in the immediate and long term. You can offer this high-tech advancement for minimal capital investment (and minimal risk) because the infrastructure is in the cloud.
Emdeon is a leading resource in the industry for lab connectivity solutions that go beyond antiquated point-to-point offerings. By using our clinical exchange solutions, you can infuse your EHR system with connections to over 300 laboratories and hospitals, as well as access virtually all pharmacies through our ePrescription transaction routing. With Emdeon, you can become your customer’s ultimate connecting point...without doing all the heavy lifting.
Are you ready to help your customers connect the dots to find an alternative to point-to-point, and increase your opportunity to grow revenue?
Contact us today
About the author:
Michele Judge is Senior Director of Clinical Services at Emdeon. She has over 20 years experience in managing, deploying and developing computerized physician order entry solutions for laboratories, hospitals and pharmacies.
*SOURCE: Emdeon Q12012 Healthcare Insights Report on Small Practice, Large Practice, and Hospitals.
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