Redwood Medical Consulting

Fully Integrated CPOE Lab Tests

RMC — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:17:58 +0000

CPOE Integrated Lab Tests When You Deploy The Practice Fusion Solution

Of all the Stage I “Meaningful Use” requirements, CPOE stands out as the most important initial functionality that a certified EHR system must have. Practice Fusion already has integrated CPOE funcitionality with Quest Diagnostics, LabCore and BioReference.

New Tests:

(14)

 Antimicrobial Level, Rifabutin, HPLC – (16208)

 APC Gene Deletion or Duplication – (16930)

 APC Gene Sequencing – (16934)

 Bacterial Identification, Phenotypic and Sequencing – (16860)

 Bacterial Vaginosis DNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR – (16898)

 Cytomegalovirus DNA UltraQuant(R) – (16982)

 DCP (Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin) – (19982)

 Dengue Virus IgG Avidity – (16987)

 Fetomaternal Bleed, Flow Cytometry – (16828)

 Fungitell (1-3) –B-D-Glucan Assay – (16283)

 Ghrelin, Total, Plasma – (17824)

 Influenza A Virus H1/H3 Subtyping,Real-Time RT-PCR – (16251)

 Protein, Total with Creatinine, 12-Hour Urine – (16993)

 Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) Mutation Analysis – (16896)

About The Practice Fusion Test Menu
The Test Menu site is a work in progress and is subject to change. For more information about CPT Codes, specimen requirements, specific methodologies, specimen transport considerations, panel components, IUO/RUO, tests and reflex testing processes, please consult with the Quest Diagnostics printed Reference Manual or Directory of Services that applies to your geographic region, or contact your Quest Diagnostics representative. This site is subject to updates and you should “refresh” each time you access this site

CPT Codes
The CPT Codes provided are based on AMA Guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT Coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding CPT Coding to the payer being billed.

Panels and Profiles
If you have any questions regarding the individual components of a panel or profile, please cross-reference your hard copy version of Quest Diagnostics Reference Manual or Directory of Services or call your Quest Diagnostics Representative. Tests offered in any Quest Diagnostics panel or profile may be ordered individually using the Quest Diagnostics Test Requisition Form.

Reflex Tests
Quest Diagnostics offers its clients three types of reflex testing; standard required reflex tests, standard reflex tests and client specific reflex tests. Clients order reflex testing when they want additional tests performed automatically if the results of the first test meet or exceed the specified criteria. This range is determined by either medical experts at Quest Diagnostics in accordance with standard medical practice or by the client. The reflex test is almost always an additional charge above the initial test.

Specialty

Cardiologists

Endocrinologists

Gastroenterologists

Hematologists & Oncologists

Infectious Disease Specialists

Hepatitis Testing
- HBV DNA Testing
- HEPTIMAX™
HerpeSelect®’
HIV Testing
- Quantitative bDNA
- Quantitative PCR
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Ob/Gyns

PCPs

Urologists

Alphabetical

RMC White Papers

RMC — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:33:13 +0000

Feel free to download the following white papers and contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can help your practice go digital. (PDF)

ARRA Stimulus White Paper

Case Study White Paper

Creating an IT Budget for EMR Adoption White Paper

EMR Datasheet White Paper

Freeconomics Healthcare White Paper

Leveraging the Power of Clinical Data White Paper

Security White Paper

Healthcare Information Technology

RMC — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:17:53 +0000

EMR/EHR and PM tools have evolved right along with the demands of healthcare information technology. And medical software business models continue to evolve as well.

Today’s practices and hospitals are embracing state-of-the-art, FREE medical software systems that easily handle the complexities of managing healthcare information technology, while providing bank-level security and truly user-friendly, intuitive interfaces.

Learn what over 32,000 other users are so enthusiastic about. Digital healthcare is here and healthcare information technology that has no-cost, is secure and easy to use.

Ask us for a “Live in Five” demonstration and let us show you how to take your practice or hospital to the next level.

HIPAA Compliant Medical Records Software

RMC — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:16:31 +0000

If you’re looking for HIPAA compliant medical software, you’ll want to consider what cutting edge EMR/EHR systems have to offer.

Let us introduce you to a no cost, web-based system that can be “Live in Five” – from the fastest growing electronic health record community in the country with more than 30,000 users in 50 states (as of March 2010).

Click here to learn more about HIPAA compliant medical software and advancements in today’s state-of-the-art EMR/EHR technologies.

HIPAA Compliant and Cutting Edge

RMC — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:09:50 +0000

Looking for HIPAA compliant AND cutting edge AND free in EMR/EHR?

Click here to learn more about HIPAA compliance and advancements in today’s state-of-the-art EMR/EHR technologies.

Tech Thursday – Cloud-Shrouded, Whereabouts Unknown-A Digital Healthcare Metaphor

Erin Stevenson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:56:20 +0000

For the Times-Standard

Tech Thursday
“Cloud-Shrouded, Whereabouts Unknown-A Digital Healthcare Metaphor”
By Erin Stevenson
Posted: 03/04/2010 01:30:25 AM PST

Forty years ago, when Zen Master Alan Watts wrote about finding his refuge on Mt. Tamapalis in CA., little did he know he was also writing about the current state of affairs in the healthcare industry. Confronted with a shrinking deadline to “go digital”, if health care providers hope to capture some of the federal stimulus monies available through the government’s “HITECH” program, there is a huge maze in front of them.

However, when a provider knows the right questions to ask, the chances of succeeding increase dramatically. We’re going to look at six of the best questions providers can ask to insure they’re “on the path” as Alan liked to say.

1. Have you considered using a Consultant to help identify those vendors that are a good fit for your practice? (Consultants can also function as Project Managers, or “Trusted Entities” that can manage some or all of the requirements for transitioning into a digitally-based practice and should be one call away when a problem arises)

2. Do you know that your risk of success increases when purchase “mixed” or ‘interfaced” systems?

Those who only purchase an EHR system, for example, may quickly find that they have no way to transfer their clinical documentation into accurate billable data and important clinical alerts. Traditional EHR applications are often “cobbled” together with an existing practice management system and the two products may not interface properly.

3. Do you understand the importance of “Point of Care” Usability?

A critical component to any comprehensive EHR solution is that it offers total point-of-care workflow and usability. Physicians, nurses and all other care providers must be able to quickly access and document patient information directly from the point-of-care without inhibiting any aspects of the patient’s visit-this directly contradicts how many EHR systems were not initially designed.

4. Are Health Care Providers making upfront “Apples to Apples” comparisons of the best EHR Systems and Solutions?

It is important to remember that when comparing EHR systems, providers should demand a comprehensive review of all associated costs for their practice during a five-year-period.

5. Are health care providers aware of inherent dangers in purchasing an EHR from a company that does not provide end-to-end solutions or support?

The fourth biggest mistake providers make is not realizing that EHR companies will do everything in their power to get you hooked realizing that, once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. If a system issue arises and you’re not able to track down an immediate cause or reason, the multiple companies involved traditionally point fingers at each other and leave the practice frustrated and in the dark. [Here’s yet another reason to use a Consultant or “Trusted Entity” where one phone call can transfer the responsibility of figuring out a solution to them and frees up the provider to continue working with their patients]

6. As a provider, are you underestimating the importance of a clinical template library or the ability to easily create one that meets your unique needs?

Many EHR systems force every provider to create their own documentation and procedure templates. This is usually a daunting and time consuming process. If an EHR system comes with a library of templates-great. If not, can the provider or consultant easily and quickly create templates that can immediately be integrated into their work flow?

And finally,

7. As a provider in the EHR market, do you Understand that “Free” is Not always a BAD word? Or, do you automatically assume that “free” is suspicious and untrustworthy? In this very competitive environment, as Marshall McLuen said those many years ago, this assumption has outlived its uselessness.

Very reputable vendors are offering a host of services free to help providers maximize their “HITECH” subsidies. It’s not as if the vendor is losing in the proposition. The reality is that they have found other avenues of revenue that offset the cost of offering “free” services. Providers win in that they can reap the benefits from these free services and reinvest the subsidy monies to offset hardware, training, and related costs to “going digital”.

Look, you’re busy & your staff is busy. There are very significant decisions to make if you’re aiming at being eligible for some of the “HITECH” subsidies. You really don’t have to agonize over transitioning to an EHR system! There are expert guides out there. Use them to stay on “the path” and enjoy the view.

Erin Stevenson is a Digital Healthcare Consultant. He has an Advanced HIPAA Certification, including Security Levels I & II and Dual Membership in HIMSS [National and Regional] and is a member of the Redwood Technology Consortium. Visit www.redwoodmedicalconsulting.com for more information.

Health Data Magazine asks “A Bright Future for EHRs, but When?”

RMC — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:36:32 +0000

Redwood Medical Consulting’s Chief Digital Consultant Erin Stevenson quoted in leading industry publication Health Data Management Magazine.

Click here to read the article titled “A Bright Future for EHRs, but When?” by Bill Kenealy.

Tech Thursday – What will the paperless medical revolution look like?

Erin Stevenson — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:33:35 +0000

For the Times-Standard

Tech Thursday
“What will the paperless medical revolution look like?”
By Erin Stevenson
Posted: 12/03/2009 01:30:25 AM PST

The medical revolution is here…and you are invited. Spurred by President Obama’s “HITECH” program, health care providers can earn a sizable subsidy by giving up paper charts and exchanging or updating medical records digitally (health care providers include “Eligible Practitioners” which includes MDs, DDSs, PAs, Certified Mid-Wives, Community Clinics, Indian Health Services and rural health services managed by an “Eligible Provider” i.e. PA.). The past way of handling your office, is not forgotten, it is redefined – the future is exciting. And it may work out that your out-of-pocket costs will come close to near zero. However, certain tax breaks allowing for 100% write-off of software and hardware (IRS Code 179) expires at the end of the year (it may be renewed, but as of this writing, no action has been taken). Another incentive to consider is that beginning next year, physicians will have to endure a 21.2% cut in their Medicare reimbursements, making the transition to a more cost efficient digital system all the more attractive (and without a “doc fix”, that reimbursement cut will rise to 40% by 2016). Check our website for continually updated news on the HITECH program.

The promise is better quality patient care, easier exchange of records, fewer medical mistakes, lower cost to the patient, and a better bottom line for the provider.

Choosing a system with both a smooth transition with minimum disruption or loss of productivity is a tall order. The system should be easy-to-use, customizable, talk to other digital systems and not interrupted by internet failure, fiber optic cable, too many bugs, or hackers.

Fortunately many medical software providers allow many choices. With numerous ways to configure a system, there are easy-to-learn and use-proven systems that allow a small practice to grow. Unfortunately some systems have caused as many as 20% of practitioners to revert to their old methods of paper charting.

Many potholes can be avoided by taking the time to investigate the strengths and failures of systems available. Hiring an informed consultant who can successfully guide you through the maze for a good and lasting solution to meet your immediate needs, long term growth, and an impressive return-on-investment is a good start, too.

Consultants will use four models from which you will choose: SAAS, Web-based, Web-enabled, or Client-Server. From the chart below you will see the options each choice gives you.

All must meet the same criteria, satisfy revenue, provide timely information, quick response to data requests, minimize human resources, minimize downtime, satisfy regulatory/compliance issues, and inter-operational ability with other systems.

Rules of Thumb:

1. Avoid purchasing interfaced systems – The potential for disrupting the flow of Current Procedural Terminology, (also known as CPTs-the most widely accepted medical terms used by health care providers to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs) or ICD-9 (the ninth version of the International Classification of Diseases) codes is high. [There’s a new expanded ICD being developed and will be available in 2013]

2. Don’t overlook point of care usability –Physicians and other providers want quick documentation of patient information without interrupting aspect of visit.

3. Make upfront “apples to apples” comparison for best EHR systems and solutions.

Remember comparing EHR or (Electronic Health Records) systems demands a comprehensive review of all associated costs to your practice for a 3-year period including: Software fees, annual upgrade and support, hardware costs for all care providers, third-party database fees, implementation, installation, training fees for appropriate hours, and other costs related to your patients.

4. Don’t purchase an EHR from a company who doesn’t provide end-to-end solutions or support.

Some EHR companies do everything possible to get you hooked, because once you hooked, you really are hooked. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you purchase an EHR from a company that supports all aspects including software, hardware, training and support. They should always be one call away. Their ability to handle all of your requests will greatly increase your overall success and provide a maximum return-on-investment.

5. Don’t underestimate the importance of templates.

Many EHR systems force you to create your own templates. This is a time-consuming task. Physicians and users who have a library of templates are far ahead in documenting patient encounters especially in the first few days of implementation.

The Redwood Technology Consortium (redwoodtech.org) is a good place for the local medical profession to look for technology-related education and developments.

December 2009

Erin Stevenson — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:44:25 +0000

This is a fast moving field of increasing information and we will be consistently adding new information as we receive it from our various Federal, Regional, Professional, Commercial and State resources.

How to Maximize Your HITECH Subsidies

Erin Stevenson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:43:32 +0000

“How Health Care Providers, Practices and Hospitals can Maximize Their HITECH Subsidies” (1 Hour)

Description coming soon!

Click here for more information on scheduling seminars offered by Redwood Medical Consulting.