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Fauquier Hospital Improves Service to Physician Community and Patients with New Referral Management Solutions from Proficient Health
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on January 26, 2012
GREENSBORO, N.C. – January 26, 2012 – Today Proficient Health, a privately held company specializing in information technology solutions for the healthcare industry, announced it has been selected by Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton, Va., to streamline the processes used for physician orders and patient scheduling.
Fauquier and its offsite radiology department will use two Proficient services:
- Proficient Orders will be used to automatically convert faxed and paper-based physician orders into electronic files that are easy to track, access and share. No change will be required in how physicians submit the information.
- Proficient Exchange will provide physicians who prefer to work online with an easy-to-use Web portal for entering orders and requesting patient scheduling.
Both are offered as licensed online services, with no hardware or software investment required.
“Serving our physician community is a high priority,” says Melissa Finley, chief privacy officer and director of patient access services and health information management for Fauquier. “We want to remove barriers and make it as easy as possible to do business with us.”
Finley says adopting Proficient Health solutions also is expected to support the hospital’s commitment to patient satisfaction – virtually eliminating delays associated with lost orders. Information from both solutions will be fed directly into Fauquier’s electronic medical records platform to populate patient files.
“Fauquier is a progressive organization eager to adopt new best practices that deliver improved service to its constituencies,” says Robb Hutchison, CEO of Proficient Health. “We’re delighted to be selected as a technology partner.”
About Fauquier Hospital
Fauquier Hospital is a privately owned healthcare provider serving communities in northeast Virginia. Part of the Fauquier Health family, the organization was one of the first five hospitals in the nation – and the only in Virginia – to achieve a “Plaintree,” designation for its patient-centered approach to care. For more information, visit www.fauquierhospital.org.
Healthcare Executive Dennis Barry Joins Board of Proficient Health
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on October 25, 2011
GREENSBORO, N.C. – October 24, 2011 – Today Proficient Health, a privately held company specializing in information technology solutions for the healthcare industry, announced that healthcare executive Dennis R. Barry has joined its board of directors.
Barry is CEO Emeritus of Cone Health, a multihospital system serving the Piedmont region of North Carolina. He is former general director of The North Carolina Memorial Hospital at Chapel Hill and a former assistant dean of the University of the North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Medicine.
Barry has taught hospital administration at the UNC-CH School of Medicine, the UNC-CH School of Public Health and the Duke University Program in Hospital Administration. He also is a registered pharmacist who has worked at the University of Illinois Research and Education Hospital in Chicago.
“Hospitals and other healthcare providers are looking for systems that deliver value through efficiencies and cost savings, and that’s what Proficient Health does,” Barry said. “It is a young company with excellent solutions and a bright future. I’m delighted to be part of their team.”
Barry has played an instrumental role in a wide range of state and national healthcare organizations. He is a past chairman of the American Hospital Association and a former commissioner of The Joint Commission, an organization responsible for accreditation of healthcare organizations. He has served on the board of the National Alliance for Health Information Technology and is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives. He also is former chairman and a lifetime member of the North Carolina Hospital Association.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Dennis’ caliber on our board,” says Robb Hutchison, CEO of Proficient Health. “He has excellent insights into the issues and opportunities healthcare organizations face, especially as they adapt to reform and to changes in the marketplace. We look forward to leveraging his experience to the benefit of our clients.”
About Proficient Health
Proficient Health is a health information technology company using software to turn cumbersome, paper-based processes into an efficient, online flow of information. Our family of affordable, HIPAA-compliant, Web-based solutions connects physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers. We help them drive down costs, improve care delivery, speed reimbursement and help organizations get more out of their electronic medical records platform.
Electronic submission pilot aims to reduce costs for healthcare providers
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on August 1, 2011
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) electronic submission of medical documents (esMD) pilot scheme could allow Medicare review contractors to deliver data electronically, reports Information Week. This system may prove to be more cost-effective than existing methods.
The scheme aims to permit healthcare providers to submit data to review contractors through one of seven third-party health information handlers (HIH). NaviNet, HealthPort and RISARC have all begun development of esMD gateways, according to the CMS. An additional 11 healthcare IT companies have applied to become HIHs, including AT&T, Craneware, Proficient Health and Greenway.
The esMD pilot is structured into two phases. During phase one, CMS review contractors will continue to send requests for supporting documentation to healthcare providers by fax and mail, and clinicians will have the option of submitting the data electronically.
Phase one is due to commence in August. Phase two, which will go live in 2012, will enable review contractors to send requests to healthcare professionals electronically.
CMS spokesman Joseph Kuchler told Information Week that “the primary intent of the esMD program is to reduce provider costs and administrative costs by minimizing paper processing and mailing of medical documentation to Medicare and Medicaid review contractors.”
According to the CMS, the review contractors who are participating in the esMD pilot include the Recovery Audit Contractor, the Medicare Administrative Contractor, Comprehensive Error Rate Testing contractor and Program Error Rate Measurement Contractor. Zone Program Integrity Contractors are expected to join the program in October 2011.
Information Week reports that NaviNet will implement its Doc Xchange software to send healthcare provider data through the open source CONNECT gateway. The news outlet further states that Laurance Stuntz, NaviNet’s senior vice president of product integration, estimates that healthcare providers could save, on average, $100 per provider per month by submitting records to the CMS electronically.
Medicare Readies Electronic Attachments Pilot
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on July 14, 2011
by Joseph Goedert
Health Data Management
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expects on August 1 to start a pilot program to accept electronic attachments that support submitted claims.
Under the pilot, providers–who normally fax or mail clinical documentation to support claims to Medicare Audit Contractors and Recovery Audit Contractors–can use selected health information vendors to electronically transmit requested information.
Seven health information technology vendors are on tap to support the esMD Gateway Services program starting in August: EHRDOCTORS, HealthPort, Health IT Plus, IVANS, MRO Corp., NaviNet Inc. and RISARC Consulting.
Other vendors expected to join in October include AKIRA, eSolutions Electronic Commerce, BACTES, Secure Exchange Solutions, Cobius, Greenway Medical Technologies, OID, Proficient Health, Craneware, AT&T and Medical Electronic Attachment.
The pilot starting in August is a first-phase test during which Medicare’s contractors will continue to send documentation requests via postal mail and providers will have the option of electronically sending the information. During Phase 2, starting in 2012, contractors will electronically send the documentation requests in addition to electronically receiving the materials.
Participating vendors will build and use “esMD gateways,” compatible with the federally developed Connect downloadable health information exchange software. For vendors, such as Boston-based NaviNet that operates Web portals enabling providers to exchange administrative and financial transactions with insurers, the pilot is an opportunity to significantly enhance services.
NaviNet clients are able to transmit some clinical information to insurers by adding the information in a memo field. Clients participating in the pilot program additionally will be able to transmit original clinical documents as PDF or TIFF image files, and archive and track the status of the request and response. In a later phase, they’ll be able to transmit structured clinical data.
More information on the esMD Gateway Services program, including a schedule of when contractors will start participating in the pilots, is available at cms.gov/esMD.
N.C. IDN goes live with Proficient Orders
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on June 13, 2011
Moses Cone Health System, a N.C.-based integrated delivery network (IDN), went live on access management services developer Proficient Health’s Proficient Orders cloud computing software to assist communication with local physicians and lay the groundwork to support health information exchange (HIE).
Proficient Orders automates orders and referrals, enabling hospitals and health systems to share patient data with ambulatory physician practices over the internet, the Greensboro, N.C.-based Proficient Health stated.
The tool will help Moses Cone build a foundation to participate in the North Carolina Healthcare Information Exchange (NCHEX), the company added.
Read more at CMIO
ACMA Partners with Proficient Health to Streamline Audit Communications through its New Product, SecureAO
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on March 1, 2011
Greensboro, NC – March 1, 2011. The American Case Management Association (ACMA) in partnership with Proficient Health, announced today the release of a joint development venture of its new product, SecureAO™, a web-based software solution designed to streamline and organize audit communications among providers.
SecureAO utilizes a HIPAA compliant communications platform using leading edge technology to keep documentation secure and organized as it moves from provider to the requesting audit contractor.
Once captured and organized with SecureAO, communications to the auditors by fax, mail, or CD will be tracked and managed. In addition, the system will also allow secure electronic transfer of medical records via the upcoming Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD) gateway, offering further cost savings with no capital expenditures and a rapid return on investment.
Greg Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer, ACMA, stated, “ACMA is pleased to partner with Proficient Health in the development of SecureAO. This organizational and communication tool reduces paperwork and ensures accountable tracking for regulated audit services. Key to our partnership is Proficient Health’s commitment to listening to ACMA members regarding product development and functionality”.
The Proficient Health / ACMA partnership promises a quality product, utilizing expert input throughout its development, at a discount to all ACMA members.
Robb Hutchison, Chief Executive Officer, Proficient Health, stated, “SecureAO drives efficiency into the hospital, delivers cost savings, and prevents recoupment of reimbursed claims by allowing users to easily organize and manage the entire audit process. We are honored to partner with such an elite organization as ACMA to offer this service.”
SecureAO will be showcased during the NICM Case Management Conference/ACMA Meeting in Orlando on April 7-10, 2011.
About ACMA
Founded in 1999, ACMA is the only professional membership organization specifically for Hospital/Health System Case Managers. ACMA strives to provide resources, solutions and support for the professional practice of Hospital Case Management. ACMA is composed of more than 2700 members nationwide, including nurses, social workers, physicians and other professionals affiliated with Hospital/Health System Case Management. Through a variety of educational conferences and networking events at both the state and national level, ACMA provides its members with numerous opportunities to develop their skills, grow in their profession, and learn from the experiences and practices of fellow members.
Moses Cone Health System Goes Live With Proficient Orders
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on December 14, 2010
Integrated delivery network using cloud computing technology to streamline communication and promote health information exchange with physicians and hospitals
GREENSBORO, N.C. − December 14, 2010 − Proficient Health, a leading provider of access management solutions, today announced that Moses Cone Health System, a North Carolina-based integrated delivery network including six hospitals, went live on its Proficient Orders cloud computing solution to streamline communication with local physicians and lay the groundwork to support health information exchange (HIE). Proficient Orders automates orders and referrals, enabling hospitals and health systems to securely share patient data with ambulatory physician practices over the Internet.
“After researching several options and vendors, we chose Proficient Health because its solution’s ease of use, robustness, flexibility and affordability best met our communication needs,” said Sue Dotson, executive director of operative services at Moses Cone. “The problem with receiving and processing paper- and fax-based orders and referrals is that it creates workflow inefficiencies that can cause errors and delay treatment, communication and coordination with physicians.”
Proficient orders will help Moses Cone build a foundation to participate in a statewide HIE known as the North Carolina Healthcare Information Exchange (NCHEX). The provider is working with the North Carolina Hospital Association to develop and launch NCHEX. Earlier this year, North Carolina was awarded $12.9 million in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to plan, design and build a statewide HIE.
“We are pleased to partner with one of the country’s leading health systems,” said Proficient Health’s CEO, Robb Hutchison. “We look forward to working with Moses Cone to promote more efficient, safer, collaborative and connected care.”
About Moses Cone Health System
Moses Cone Health System is a private, not-for-profit organization providing a full range of healthcare services distinguished by measurable excellence. The multi-hospital health systems, which includes six hospitals and more than 7,400 employees, is widely recognized for the quality of its medical services, which include oncology, cardiology, neuroscience, orthopedics and women’s health. For more information, visit www.mosescone.com.
NCHA Adds Proficient Health to Portfolio of Strategic Partners
Posted in: Industry News, Press Release by Admin on July 9, 2010
Greensboro, NC – Today, the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA) announced it has added Proficient Health to its portfolio of strategic partners. “We are pleased to welcome Proficient Health to our portfolio of value added services for NCHA members. Their innovative software platform can be integrated with current EMRs and health information systems facilitating a streamlined process to communicate with local physician practices, insurance companies and other providers. Proficient’s services can be seamlessly integrated into your existing business workflows improving communication and reducing operational costs. This system has a proven ROI model and is an effective strategy to align with your “Go Green” initiatives.”, states Veda Williams – Director of Strategic Partners.
Key goals for NCHA members using Proficient’s services include:
- Building strong physician partnerships
- Improving patient satisfaction
- Streamlining reimbursement of services
Several hospitals in NC are now using Proficient Health to receive orders from physician practices and respond back to them improving the local exchange of information required in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. This service is used in both clinical and financial departments ultimately resulting in the creation of local Healthcare Business Exchanges and reducing paper-based processes.
Mrs. WIlliams adds, “I confirm that we have seen this product, spoken with members who currently have the products up and running in their hospital and the ROI these facilities are seeing is great. Please take the opportunity to sit down with your Proficient Health representative, see a demo, and learn more about what they can do for your facility.”.
About NCHA
NCHA is statewide trade association representing 135 hospitals and health networks. The association promotes improved community health status and delivery of quality healthcare through leadership, information, education, and advocacy in members’ interests and for public benefit.
Nash Healthcare Systems Signs on for Proficient Orders
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on April 22, 2010
Greensboro, NC – April 2010. Nash Healthcare Systems, Rocky Mount, NC selects Proficient Health for physician order management. Nash will leverage Proficient’s platform to improve the workflow related to receiving physician orders, facilitating the delivery of care and reimbursement of patient services. This will assist administrative management across a broad range of communication and business challenges that stem from the procurement and distribution of physician’s orders. Director of Patient Access at Nash, Charlene Lewis stated, “I am excited about the changes that Proficient Orders offers Nash Health Systems. The usability and communication will improve and we are also thrilled about the customization it offers which will improve our workflow by reducing errors, and improving our physician relationships.”
Proficient Health’s order management service is based on their cloud computing platform that allows hospitals, physicians and healthcare providers to manage and communicate critical information more effectively in a multi-tiered, high availability (HA), secure interface.
Proficient Health’s CEO, Robb Hutchison indicated, “Nash Healthcare Systems has demonstrated unprecedented innovation around deployment of new and progressive software solutions to better serve their patients. Our unified communication solutions will enable Nash to improve care delivery for their community while maintaining a high level of physician satisfaction. By leveraging Proficient Orders to streamline and manage its internal workflow in a paperless process, Nash is now well positioned to accommodate the increasing demands they may experience in the years to come.”
About Nash Health Care Systems
Nash Health Care Systems is a non for profit health care authority comprised of four district hospitals on one campus: Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital, and the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center. Based in Rocky Mount N.C., they have been a leading healthcare provider for more than 35 years.
Transylvania Regional Hospital Improving Patient Care Through Proficient Orders Interface
Posted in: Press Release by Admin on December 1, 2009
Greensboro, NC – December 1, 2009. Transylvania Regional Hospital, a nationally ranked hospital among the top tiered regional hospitals, has selected Proficient Health to manage its critical communications among physicians and outpatient centers for an improved business process.
Proficient Orders is a HIPAA-compliant web-based solution that allows hospitals, physicians and healthcare providers to manage patient orders more effectively in a multi-tiered, high availability (HA), and highly secure interface. Transylvania will leverage Proficient’s platform to improve the process of hospital workflow and patient orders. This will assist its hospital administrators in managing a wider range of business challenges stemmed from the procurement and distribution of physicians orders.
CEO, Robb Hutchison indicated, “Transylvania Hospital has a team with unsurpassed energy in serving its patients. We have established a solution that will help Transylvania better serve its patients by leveraging existing business tools to streamline and manage its internal workflow in a paperless process, with no loss of orders and migrate community physicians online at the hospital with ease.
The Proficient platform is designed to accommodate the transmission of paper-based and electronic documents related to outpatient orders, with immediate adoption and return on investment.
About Transylvania Regional Hospital
Transylvania Regional Hospital is a nationally ranked 5-Star Hospital and a leading provider of quality healthcare services in Transylvania and surrounding counties. Based in Brevard, N.C., it is a not-for-profit hospital founded in 1933 and is the largest employer in Transylvania County.