See my other HIMSS14 session reviews: Overcoming The Current and Future Challenges ACOs Will Face & Pushing the Boundaries of Semantic Interoperability Across Payer-Provider Networks
Jefferson Radiology, based in East Hartford, Conn., embarked on a project to connect 11 partners in four months with the intent of meeting Meaningful Use requirements for Stage 1. To complicate things further, the project involved utilizing eight new vendors, four current vendors, and replacing an existing vendor. This would not be a small task under any timeline, but in four months it seemed almost unattainable.
In addition to meeting Meaningful Use standards, the overall goal was to improve operations workflow and position business for future growth. Michael Quinn, CTO at Jefferson Radiology, presented the challenges and the framework for success. Mr. Quinn stressed timelines, vendor management, and thorough testing in an effort to mitigate the risks of the project.
One of the most complex tasks, vendor management, involved face-to-face meetings that helped establish trust and create a sense of shared responsibility. Jefferson Radiology received commitments from each of the vendors and encouraged out-of-the box thinking to meet the short timeline. The vendors were embraced as full partners and collaboration and communication were the keys to getting all vendors to execute in the given timeframe.
In the end, Jefferson Radiology met the Meaningful Use requirements and set the infrastructure in place for efficient new workflows. Since the implementation, patient satisfaction has improved, errors and inappropriate disclosures have been reduced, and a scalable infrastructure has been put in place for future interfacing needs.
Many times it is often reported that Meaningful Use implementations create an infrastructure that satisfied the requirements but stifled workflows. It was refreshing to hear an example of how Meaningful Use, implemented correctly, not only satisfies the requirements but leads to patient satisfaction and more efficient workflows.
