Software vendor Caradigm has developed an application that converts Minimum Data Set information to Continuity of Care Documents. The conversion means MDS information can be used by providers outside the long-term care field.
Another key benefit: The MDS-to-CCD Transformer will let skilled nursing facilities participate in health information exchanges, even if they do not use an electronic health records system. Caradigm worked with the Keystone Beacon Community, led by Geisinger Health System. Keyston Beacon is a federally funded initiative focused on building and strengthening local health IT infrastructure. Its providers include doctors, hospitals and SNFs.
“Any skilled nursing facility can now share a patient’s information inexpensively and securely, which helps the patient’s care team work better together,” says Jim Walker, M.D., chief health information officer at Geisinger.
When the data is converted into CCD format, it’s sent to a health information exchange, where licensed clinicians can access the data.
Providers save on the cost of full EHR platforms, and patients avoid unnecessary tests through the additional data sharing and collaboration, supporters noted.
From the September 01, 2012 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
