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Work Orders Automated by 95%
Family Care Medical Group (FCMG) in upstate New York
set out to find a system for their clinical laboratory that
would interface with both their existing electronic medical
record (EMR) system and their reference lab. They were prepared
for increased efficiency when they chose IMPAC’s laboratory
information system (LIS), but the magnitude of what they’ve seen
has far exceeded expectations.
Prior to installation of IMPAC’s LIS, all orders were entered
manually, “an extremely tedious and time-consuming process,”
according to lab manager Sue Cottrell. The IMPAC LIS has since
automated 95% of the work on orders – what previously required
six employees now takes just a person and a half.
Increased Testing Volume, Improved
Accuracy
The efficiency enabled FCMG to reduce headcount by one full-time
employee, while the number of tests increased. “The IMPAC LIS
allows us to process more work with fewer people,” Cottrell
stated, “with no compromise to quality.” Cottrell added that
since installing the LIS, they’ve seen steady year-over-year
increases in testing volume.
Automation also minimizes potential for clerical errors, simply
by a more contained process. Specimens are drawn in the
physicians’ offices and arrive at the lab in timed slots, with
corresponding orders sent electronically. Data- such as orders
and patient information – are exchanged between the LIS and the
lab’s instruments; once analyzed, the results are then uploaded
back to the LIS, which feeds the data directly into
the EMR.
Faster Test Results with EMR
Integration
The bidirectional interface between IMPAC’s LIS and the EMR has
greatly enhanced the standard of care that FCMG is able to offer
its patients. Doctors can now see results on their screens in
just two hours after ordering tests – as opposed to 16 hour
waits previously. For doctors who prefer viewing hard copy
results, the LIS has a modem feature where a few mouse clicks
sends information from the lab’s computer to a fax machine,
keeping
a verification log of its actions.
Strong Support & Smart System Design
Cottrell said that she appreciates IMPAC’s ongoing support,
such as the development of custom monthly reports and an
immediate response to support questions. “IMPAC’s LIS has been a
very reliable system,” Cottrell noted. She offered particular
praise on its uninterrupted power supply feature. “During the
East Coast blackout of 2003, we had a 20-minute grace period to
take our system down properly and not worry about programs being
corrupted,” she explained. “The blackout was huge, but all our
lab data was safe. It was a real lifesaver.” |
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Family Care Medical Group Camillus, NY
Physicians' Office Lab at Family Care Medical Group |
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[Email
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