Davies Award Winner, 2005Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP (SETMA)

Dwane J. McGowanHTM 680

13 June, 2013

CASE OVERVIEW: SETMA

Sought change from document management to data management using NextGen technology

Multiple clinics, ER, hospitals, hospice, level II laboratory, and a nursing home

Desires an Enterprise Practice Management (EPM) system, starting with an EMR

Vendor chosen bases on reputation, financial stability, support/training provided, and scalability

Phased go-live, 1 work area at a time

SETMA’s Objectives

Improve care qualityImprove patient safetyIncrease patient/provider communicationEnhance reporting efficiencyRaise provider production and satisfactionDevelop a comprehensive clinical documentImprove workflow/billing practices

ONC MU GOAL 1Improving quality, safety, efficiency, and

reducing health disparitiesAdoption of e-prescribingImproved billing with ICD-9, CPT codesRecorded demographics, vital signs-capture of

notes and basic data about patientsIncorporated lab results into the EHRMet public health reporting requirements for

diseases and immunizationsReported to patient registries

ONC MU GOAL 2Engage patients and their families

E-mail communication with patientsSend lab results if authorized and security in

place Clinical summaries of visits availablePhone calls electronically sent to physicians for

review- improved inquiry documentationPatient portal established

ONC MU GOAL 3Improve care coordination

One time registration/data capture

Sharing of data system-wide

Decreased duplication of testing, requests for personal data

ONC MU GOAL 4Improve population & public health

Transmit data to immunization registries

Increased immunization rates from 20% to 80%

Created disease specific clinics

Use of templates with best practices

ONC MU GOAL 5Privacy & Security of PHI

Security in place 24/7 for transmission of emails and lab results

Use of an established vendor to meet HIPAA requirements

Benefits Realized by EHR

Increased efficiencies system-wideStreamlined referral process for specialistsImproved clinical documentation, workflowNet annual revenue increased $3 millionCharting and transcription costs down $352,000Patient safety improved, medication errors downPhysician satisfaction, and production increased

Lessons Learned

Focus on full-scale implementation essential and “high tech will promote high touch”

All capabilities of the EHR must be employedNeed a respected physician champion for

provider buy-inDon’t delay starting an EHR initiative- benefits

entity, payors, and the publicOngoing training for all levels of staff essentialEstablish a defined timeline for implementation

QUESTIONS?

References

Healthcare Information and Management System Society (2007). Improving quality and reducing cost with electronic health records: case studies from the nicholas e. davies awards. Chicago, IL: HIMSS