|
|
Mergers of pre-existing practices in Columbia, SC, in 1995 led
to the formation of South Carolina Oncology Associates (SCOA).
In 2000, SCOA started using IMPAC’s integrated oncology-specific
EMR. The next year, according to medical oncologist Phillip
Baldwin, MD, “We jumped in with both feet.” IMPAC linked SCOA’s
three-site practice and business offices with fast computer
lines and networked desktops. “Implementing IMPAC’s EMR and
scheduling system, along with email, vastly improved
communications,” Baldwin adds. In January 2004, SCOA’s nineteen
oncologists and their 145 employees consolidated their offices
by moving into a state-of-the art 107,000 sq. ft. center, where
500-700 patients are seen daily.
Software Collaboration
In order to learn the types of features and functions that
practicing oncologists needed to improve the flow of their
practice, staff from IMPAC crossed the country to listen to
SCOA’s suggestions. “They responded nicely,” says Baldwin.
“Several members of our practice and employees collaborated with
IMPAC on developing an electronic worksheet for clinicians that
is much better than anything we had before.”
The user-friendly Clinician Worksheet presents physicians with a
single page from which 3-4 clicks take them to whatever patient
information they need to know. “Instantly pulling previous
treatments in summary or detailed form is very helpful when
patients have been treated for many years,” observes Baldwin.
Flags mark panic lab values, making overlooking significant ones
unlikely. A flow chart for laboratory data, expressed
graphically and including chemotherapy dosages, mimics the flow
sheet familiar to those used by medical oncologists. Buttons on
the screen facilitate rapid entry of diagnoses, select treatment
plans from a predetermined list, and calculate, approve, and
modify chemotherapy regimens. These forms can be configured to
physician preference: “I like labs displayed in a certain order,
hemoglobin on top, white count second,” says Baldwin.
Faster Data, Increased Physician Time
for Patients
Electronic data is instantly available to authorized staff and
more quickly captured and managed. The previous system took 5-10
minutes to open a patient record, select a diagnosis, and add
and approve a treatment plan, but now this is accomplished with
the Clinician Worksheet in less than 30 seconds. “I can use
Clinician Worksheet on my e-tablet while chatting with my
patients,” explains Baldwin. “Appointments run 10-15 minutes, so
we have more time for patient interaction.” |
|
 |
|
South Carolina Oncology Associates, Columbia, SC
Dr. Phillip Baldwin, Medical Oncologist, South Carolina
Oncology Associates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Email Us] |
|
|
