Healthcare IT News - October 2007 - (Page 56)

56 Healthcare IT News October 2007 ■ CliniCal ToolkiT www.HealthcareITNews.com Document imaging keeps paper in play Vendors say healthcare system will never go completely paperless. By John Andrews, Contributing Editor T percolating in the healthcare industry for many years that an organization can operate without a single piece of paper changing hands. For instance, new hospitals are opening under the label of being “all digital,” while some physician clinics are shooting for a “paperless” environment. And payers are strongly encouraging providers to conduct all their claims processing in an electronic format. But while removing paper from the administrative process is a noble, albeit pragmatic goal, vendors of document imaging systems say it’s an unachievable one. “People have been predicting the demise of paper for years and we don’t see it ever happening,” said Bill Brikiatis, director of corporate marketing for Nashua, NH-based eCopy. “Certain processes can be done electronically, but as long as there are different organizations working together there will always be paper in between.” If that assertion is true, it means that healthcare organizations will continue to need some sort of way station that converts paper documents into electronic records. Hence, the purveyors of document imaging systems see a secure future for their products as hospitals increasingly transition from manual to electronic processes. Gregg Bieri, national records and imaging solutions architect for New York-based Océ Business Services, agrees that a paper-intensive industry such as healthcare will always have to deal with hard copies, and conversion systems are the best way to handle them. “The main thing to anticipate is the evoHE NOTION HAS BEEN While many hospitals and physicians’ offices are seeking to go paperless or completely digital, experts concede that there will always be some paper documents in the system – and, hence, the need to convert them into electronic records. “People have been predicting the demise of paper for years, and we don’t see it ever happening. Certain processes can be done electronically, but as long as there are different organizations working together THere Will alWaYS Be PaPer in BeTWeen.” – Bill Brikiatis lution of converting documents into a digital format and lifting information out of the content that can then be populated into other systems and other entities,” he said. “It’s about taking the information that lies within the content and lifting it out for distribution.” Intake seems to be the most pulp-heavy point, as new patients manually fill out paper forms each time they see a new clinician. “Old school” holdouts intent on writing out instructions, prescriptions and patient notes are another. Add to that a wide assortment of document cargo that enters the mailroom from all over via the postal service, FedEx and UPS. Though she doesn’t take credit for inventing the term, senior systems analyst Melissa Lopez says “paper lite” is an accurate one when describing the environment at Sharp’s new hospital, slated to open in the summer of 2008. “Going paperless isn’t a complete pipe dream – we might get there eventually,” she said. So the new Sharp hospital will be “paper lite,” with the nursing staff being limited to two drawers for paper storage, Lopez said. They won’t be able to keep paper charts because the organization is implementing an electronic medical record project. “Our main expectation is to get things in the system as quickly and efficiently as possible and we’re taking the road to get us there,” Lopez said. “No matter what, your infrastructure has to be well maintained and we’re all working towards that end.” One of Sharp’s key vendors is Cleveland, Ohio-based Hyland Software. Ed McQuiston, director of healthcare solutions, says the EMR initiative is still in its early stages, and while the goal is to be paperless, “they realize that supplementary technologies like ours (are) necessary.” Less space for administrative paper storage means more room devoted to clinical functions. “The goal is to get the information to improve patient care and outcomes,” McQuiston said. “That needs to be the focus.” SCanning SCannerS Provider organizations that want to dig out from under the paper pile have various hardware and software options at their disposal for document imaging. For instance, eCopy’s software is designed to transform an existing copier into a document imaging device. “If you use e-mail or a records management system and want to load a document, pAperless see page 57 ‘PaPer liTe’ If the coining of a new term is any indication, organizations like Sharp Healthcare in San Diego are indeed resigned to paper’s continued presence. VISIT THE ALL NEW! HEALTHCARE IT OPEN INTERVIEWS Tuesday, October 23rd • 4pm - 7pm NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center 1305 York Ave (between 69 & 70th,) 2nd Floor Conference Room C At The Forefront Of Innovation The technological advances pioneered at NewYork-Presbyterian have improved the lives of people everywhere. Recognized as New York’s #1 hospital, by U.S. News & World Report, our commitment to applying and integrating the most cutting-edge information systems is reshaping the future of medicine. Working alongside the best minds in this rapidly growing field, our experienced professionals thrive in a culture that fosters excellence and shared learning. As we continue to integrate and build upon the latest technologies, we’ll rely on your expertise to help meet the needs of administrative, clinical, and research-based users. Join us, and be among the people that make it possible. Opportunities exist within the following areas: Programming • Networking • Network Engineering • Database Administration Systems Hardware • Systems Analysis Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of proven experience. Professionals with IT experience in a hospital environment, especially with a background in Eclipsys, Kronos or Lawson, are encouraged to attend. To register, please visit www.nypcareerevents.org. If you are unable to attend, please send your resume to sab9052@nyp.org. We are an equal opportunity employer. e ● Connect: merge 1007 e ● Connect: NypresbyteriaN 1007 http://www.HealthcareITNews.com http://www.healthcareitnews.com http://www.nypcareerevents.org http://www.nypcareerevents.org http://www.mergehealthcare.com http://www.mergehealthcare.com http://www.healthcareitnews.com/eConnect.cms?id=7924 http://www.healthcareitnews.com/eConnect.cms?id=7923

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Healthcare IT News - October 2007 Contents Global Harmony Telegrowth New Rules Keeping Tabs What's Free? PHR of Its Own Intelligent Closing Practice Management Paper Tiger

Healthcare IT News - October 2007

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