SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With electronic health records (EHRs) increasingly being acknowledged as a key ingredient in enhanced patient care, Office Ally announced today that more than 100 healthcare labs nationwide are now connected to its electronic health records solution, EHR 24/7. Currently, more than 11,000 physicians of Office Ally’s 330,000 provider clients also utilize EHR 24/7 as a way to improve quality, safety, efficiencies and access.
“Most of our lab interfaces are bi-directional and contribute greatly to maximizing the benefits of electronic health records by having this important part of a patient’s medical history readily available in a private, secure and accessible location,” says Office Ally President and CEO Brian O’Neill. “A comprehensive EHR program allows providers to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork, and with that everyone benefits.”
First launched in 2007, the EHR 24/7 product was tested and certified in 2013 for Stage II Meaningful Use under the Drummond Group’s Electronic Health Records Office of the National Coordinator Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB) program. Meaningful use means that the technology improves patient care coordination, reduces healthcare disparities, engages patients and their families, improves population and public health, and ensures adequate privacy and security. Stage II certification means that healthcare providers using Office Ally’s EHR systems qualify to receive federal stimulus monies – a key component of the federal government’s push to improve clinical-care delivery through the adoption and effective use of EHRs. And in 2015, for the first time, financial penalties will kick in for Medicare providers who do not adopt a certified EHR.*
Office Ally/Labs
O’Neill points out that access to accurate medical records has always been an essential part of delivering quality care, and EHRs make the best use of what today’s technology has to offer. “The more that labs, pharmacies, physicians, hospitals and outpatient facilities can be securely connected with proper safeguards in place, the more efficient the healthcare system and the less chance of medical error because of unavailable or misinformation.
“Electronic data keeping has become commonplace in most facets of society, and it is time that it be fully embraced by the healthcare industry,” O’Neill continues. “Already many hospitals and large physician groups have implemented EHRs; and fortunately systems are now in place, which makes it easy and affordable for independent physician offices to do so as well. Healthcare labs are a vital part of the equation, and we are happy that with increasing frequency labs around the country are turning to Office Ally to be their EHR partner.”
A complete list of Office Ally lab interfaces, including type of interface, can be found at http://www.officeally.com/resourcecenter.aspx?id=107.
Office Ally is the only organization in the country offering healthcare providers a full suite of revenue-cycle management services. Founded in 2000 Office Ally currently works with more than 330,000 providers and 5,600 insurance carriers in all 50 states. It also houses eligibility for nearly 400 IPAs and small health plans. Its complete suite of interactive ASP Internet-based solutions includes a patient health registry – Patient Ally™, electronic health records – EHR 24/7™, practice management – Practice Mate™, clearinghouse and case-connect tool. All of Office Ally’s products and services are offered at minimal or no cost to providers, with customer and technical support available 24/7. Further information may be obtained at www.officeally.com.
* This complete EHR product, EHR 24/7, is 2014 edition compliant and has been certified by an ONC-ACB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments. Office Ally’s EHR 24/7 is available for a flat monthly fee with the option to add eRx for an additional flat monthly fee paid direct to NewCrop.
