|
|
Staff Efficiency
According to Karen Donnellan, chief therapist, when she and Dr.
Tania Lingos opened South Suburban Oncology Center (SSOC) in
1995, “We used IMPAC for whatever we could, and since we were
both computer-savvy, it was easy to implement new procedures.”
Two years ago, they brought aboard a fourth radiation
oncologist. Not only did Dr. Joe Barthold lack IMPAC experience,
he had had little exposure to computers and always had his own
secretary. “Since we shared an office,” explained Donnellan, “he
had no choice but to use IMPAC, and I stood over him to make
sure he did!” Within four months, Barthold was not only an IMPAC
convert but a champion of expanding its use.
Reduced Storage Requirements
SSOC has aggressively expanded use of IMPAC, with impressive—and
sometimes unexpected—benefits. In March 2003, SSOC began using
IMPAC to download images and treatment. In early 2003, they went
filmless by implementing IMPAC’s image-enabled electronic
medical record (EMR). Going filmless not only saves $20-$25K
annually on film alone at SSOC, but also reduces costs for film
folders and space needed for storing film. Old films are now
stored off-site; when needed, a film is brought back, downloaded
into IMPAC, where it becomes part of a patient’s EMR and can
subsequently be viewed online, and returned to offsite storage.
System Versatility
Oncologists no longer have to trek upstairs to view images or
charts, but can approve or review them on any workstation. “I’m
not sure how we would do it without IMPAC. We have systems in
place that allow us to manage 10 things at once. I never talk on
the phone without a computer in front of me so that I have all
of the information readily available,” said Dr. Barthold. “We
can also review EMRs at home via a Citrix Web-based secure line,
helping us deal with emergencies off-site without returning to
the office.” SSOC plans to continue advancing toward total
electronic charting by implementing IMPAC systems for electronic
transcription, faxing, and scanning and is looking at using
electronic tablets for doctors and nurses.
Technology Pioneers
SSOC was the first in the area to use IMPAC’s bar code system,
using a laser gun to read patient ID cards and enter them into
their system. When patients come for treatment, a card swipe
automatically enters proper charges. Use of IMPAC’s accounting
module resulted in efficiency allowing them to reduce staff
working offsite on SSOC’s account from five to only three. The
efficiencies enabled by IMPAC have allowed the practice to
expand to five oncologists without adding support personnel,
enhancing profitability. The physicians joining SSOC after Dr.
Barthold were all well-versed in IMPAC. Said Donnellan, who has
spent 17 years in radiation oncology, the last eight in
management: “I’m a big promoter for IMPAC, and we’ve showed off
our small practice to all the big Boston hospitals. With IMPAC,
we’re one step ahead of the game.”
|
|
 |
|
Dr. Barthold, South Suburban Oncology Center, Quincy, MA
 |
Karen Donnellan, chief therapist, South Suburban Oncology Center, Quincy, MA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Email
Us] |
|
|
