eClinicalWorks (eCW lab interface software) is a practice management solution. It is currently used by over 130,000 clinicians in the U.S. alone and by over 850,000 in different parts of the world. This shows that it offers satisfactory solutions for many users.
However, it needs to be integrated with other information systems within a provider’s facility to provide the full benefits of interoperability. Currently, eClinicalWorks supports both uni-directional and bi-directional communication with most lab information systems that support HL7 messaging. It also provides support for radiology information systems.
However, implementing a new lab interface can bring up several unique challenges. If you are searching for eCW lab interface software, here are some of the most important questions to ask.
1. Is it a Bi-directional or Uni-directional Interface?
Uni-directional EHR to LIS interfaces still exist today. But they are fast becoming obsolete.
There’s an ever-increasing demand for physicians and clinical information systems to provide quick real-time feedback. Patients want their results instantly, and physicians rely on diagnostic tests to accurately interpret symptoms and offer effective treatment.
Opting for a solution with a bi-directional interface will save time and effort with automated workflows. It will use the patient ID to send the test order, track it, and ensure that the test results are properly transmitted back to the EHR. This way, the procedure will be error-free, and there’ll be no duplication of information.
The benefits of having a bi-directional interface are far-reaching. The lab managers can connect to the physician EHRs to pull out and deliver the clinical data not included in the original order. This helps submit claims and expedite payment processing.
2. How will you handle the harmonization of test codes?
Before EHRs became ubiquitous, most physicians sent their lab test orders on paper. On those test orders, the descriptions of the tests were written longhand.
However, today, almost all practitioners use an EHR system. Many of these medical professionals also use computerized physician order entry (CPOE) technology to send lab and radiology test orders.
Unfortunately, many of them are not aware of the importance of test codes. In some cases, the order entry tool does not use the code the lab is expecting for the test required.
That’s why you must reach an agreement on the standardization of all test codes. Sort out the most frequently used codes first before working on those that occur once in a while.
3. Do you provide detailed training for users?
Making the transition from manual and paper-based ordering to automated workflow can be daunting. Older physicians can easily be overwhelmed by the huge number of data entry tasks required daily.
To ensure that all practitioners can smoothly transition to automated lab test ordering, it is important to schedule and provide adequate training.
A training computer may be located in a common room where the more experienced users can help the older users use the system.
4. What type of reports and metrics do you provide?
Metrics are essential for managing and improving the quality of work in a lab. A robust interface will provide useful metrics like the number of orders received, those with complete demographic information, and those with the right test codes. It will also show how many orders have been completed and set back through the same bi-directional interface.
While some analytics dashboards offer pre-formatted reports only, others allow you to make your own SQL queries and decide how the results are displayed.
5. Do you support specialized workflows?
A well-designed interface solution will have customization options. Such options will make the solution easy for your clinicians to learn and use. With minimal disruption to workflows, your organization can achieve faster testing for batch jobs like COVID-19 testing and any other type of test order that does not follow your normal routine.
Contact Us Today for a Free eCW Lab Interface Demo
If you need a robust, well-designed, and customizable lab interface for any EHR or EMR, we are fully prepared to meet your integration needs.
Call us now at 877.522.8378 or schedule a free consultation here to see how our proven EMRHub works.