[#19057] Transfer CARC and RARC codes to secondary claims
From now on, CARC and RARC codes from ERA files will appear in secondary claims generated by the system. This helps you avoid denials and improve your bottom line.
[#19041] Ability to upload EEG files
We have extended the functionality of document management in EMSOW. Now our users can attach EEG files with the “.eas” extension to study records. All in all, the “Documents” section currently supports 16 file formats! To attach a file to a study, click the “Documents” button in the Processing module or in the Technologist Portal.
[#19089] Check eligibility for the date of service
Previously, you could check insurance eligibility only for the current date. We have made the eligibility check feature more versatile, so now you can check eligibility for the date of service. For example, you can check if a patient is eligible to receive a service scheduled in advance.
DICOM offers a lot of capabilities for storing, transmitting and processing medical images and patient data. However, you must be aware that there are several other protocols, which causes interoperability problems. This time we’ll talk about interoperability and compare two common medical data standards – HL7 and DICOM, which are the most common protocols.
Interoperability issues may be illustrated in different ways. For example, a patient has to change hospitals (say, he is moving to another town). He expects that his EHR and all medical information would be transmitted successfully. But these two hospitals use different standards, and their information systems are unable to understand each other. So, the patient needs to retrieve his medical records on paper and perhaps even do some tests again. Imagine that he is seriously ill and needs treatment as soon as possible – then any delay means health deterioration.
Or suppose you run a medical business and transmit patient data to an imaging operator or a hospital. If you and your partner use the same standards, you’ll faсe no obstacles. Otherwise, your systems will encounter many errors or barely be unable to communicate. This can result in losing the partner because none of you want to abandon the system you are using as the switch is costly.
Now let’s focus on the protocols. What are the similarities and differences between HL7 and DICOM? HL7 can be used as an alternative to DICOM MWL, which is more imaging-oriented.
Herman Oosterwijk, the President of O Tech Inc., a company specializing in healthcare technology consulting and training, has been exploring the subject for years. In his judgment, the main points are as follows.
We should also mention some institutional peculiarities. For example, HL7 offers several types of membership and regularly holds conferences and workgroups. As for DICOM, its use depends on the equipment or software you buy; sometimes you have to purchase this or that option separately. They also educate their customers, but to a lesser extent.
“While HL7 and DICOM have their own domains, they do definitely connect, however. The interface consists from a workflow perspective of two areas, i.e. where the ordering information for the imaging procedure is exchanged, and where the results, in the form of a diagnostic report and/or measurements are sent back to the information system.”
To the benefit of the end customer, both of the protocols do try to solve the compatibility issue. Besides, software developers have come up with customized medical applications that can link the two protocols. Even if you and your partner have taken different sides on the subject, you still can be fully compatible if you use one of those applications. Patient data can be rapidly transmitted, recognized, easily processed and managed.
[#19044] Patient address in templates
We have enhanced our templated reporting engine. Now EMSOW can automatically fill a patient’s street address, city, state, and ZIP Code in report templates.
By the way, did you know that you could use the templates to create not just ultrasound worksheets and image interpretation reports, but also consent forms, requisition forms and other types of documentation? Ask us how!
EMSOW BILLING FUNCTIONALITY
We have made a brief presentation about EMSOW billing. Your billers will love it, that’s for sure!
EMSOW automates your revenue management cycle – from generating electronic claims and posting ERAs to tracking your invoices and detailed financial reporting.
