EMR-LIS integration is a desire of most EHR users, clinicians, and lab managers. Creating a robust EMR LIS interface will improve clinicians’ productivity and positively impact patient satisfaction. To encourage CIOs and other decision-makers to invest in full EHR-LIS integration, we’ll discuss a few benefits of interoperability.
1. Fast and Accurate Data Exchange Between Lab and Clinicians
Prompt and accurate transmission of test results is now a necessity for effective patient care. Gone are the days when doctors and patients were content to wait for a few days to see test results faxed to them.
Today, doctors already know the average time for test results to arrive at their computer screen. With an effective EMR LIS interface, clinicians can order laboratory tests directly from their EHR and receive the results electronically.
2. Improved Staff Productivity
Without taking on more employees, providers can increase their productivity with a full LIS to EMR interface. As information flows smoothly to and fro the lab and the electronic health record system, valuable information is shared in an instant.
Providers can obtain lab results in batches, query for all lab tests of a particular patient, or ask for a report on tests that have not been completed. Without sending faxes, writing manual requests, or making phone calls, practices can use a web-based interface to search, review and sort lab orders and test results without disrupting the workflow of other staff.
3. Elimination of Manual Processes and Errors
Making lab test requisitions electronically drastically reduces processing errors. Using manual data entry methods can lead to mistakes due to fatigue, illegibility, misplaced orders, and incomplete patient data. Other errors that the direct LIS-EHR link can prevent include:
- Pre-authorization errors
- Incorrect provider data
- Wrong labeling of specimens
4. Fewer Denied Claims
Today, denied labs must avoid claims due to reduced reimbursements and a shift toward value-based care. That’s why it is essential to have an EHR with a seamless link with the LIS.
The lab can check the patient insurance details and eligibility for tests before performing the test. Also, errors caused by wrong or incomplete demographic data can be eliminated.
Patient demographic data may be pulled directly from the EHR, eliminating the need to re-enter data into the order interface. As a result, the lab can avoid denied claims and ensure prompt payment for all submitted claims.
5. Improved Quality of Care
Patients are now eager to get their test results within a few hours or less. While not all tests will be ready quickly, sending test results once they are ready can improve patient satisfaction.
Today, patients can read the summary of their test results on a patient portal. They can also get a detailed explanation of the results from their physician as soon as they can see the results on their mobile devices.
This promotes a better quality of care and enables the physician to make more effective decisions about the treatment plan and prescriptions for the patient.
Creating an EMR-LIS interface is a profitable investment for any provider, practice, or laboratory. However, it is a complex project.
To successfully develop and deploy an effective LIS-EMR/EHR interface, you need to work with an experienced interoperability expert.
Connect With an EMR LIS Interface Expert Today
Call Lifepoint Informatics at 877.522.8378 now to book a free consultation. You may also visit our contact page today to schedule a free demo of our health IT and interoperability solutions.