HIPAA Requirements Patient Safety Reduce Facility Costs Increase Productivity/Work Flow
The CyberLAB 7.2 system is a browser-based Laboratory Information System (LIS) that focuses on the needs of laboratories in today's diverse health care environment.
The LIS application provides the flexibility and functionality that health care organizations require--and more.
The CyberLAB system contains:
Tools to assist with adherence to federal privacy and security requirements
Safeguards for patient safety
Functions to manage costs, increase productivity, and improve laboratory operations
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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal legislative act that mandates privacy and security regulations, among other areas, for patient medical records.
The CyberLAB system provides tools to assist with adherence. The tools include:
User Classification and Password Security - To restrict access to the application and its modules, each facility defines the characteristics of a password and the classification of users based on job responsibilities. This system does not allow unauthorized users to access patient information and other sensitive data.
Function-specific accessibility further defines the specific modules, submodules, and functions that an individual user in a user classification can access to perform job-required tasks.
Function-specific accessibility prevents unauthorized access to modify test results and other patient information.
Safeguard for Confidential Tests - Only users with access to confidential tests can view or report such test results. If a user does not have access to view confidential tests, the phrase, "Confidential Tests," appears in place of the test name and "*****" displays instead of the test result.
Safeguard for Patient Confidentiality - All access to a patient's record is logged internally to ensure patient confidentiality and security. The logged information includes the User ID of the person who accessed the patient record, the date and time of access, and the records accessed. The system administrator can view the log for inappropriate access of patient information.
Order Entry - A patient selection list is available on the application's screens to ensure that an order is placed and test results are provided for the correct patient.
Barcode labels that are generated when an order is placed are affixed to the specimen. A scan of the barcode confirms positive patient identification.
Track a Sample - The CyberLAB system tracks a sample order from the time it is created or received in the CyberLAB system to the test results and generation of the clinical report. This ensures prompt turnaround time.
All the activities involving the sample are recorded and can be viewed by authorized users.
CyberMATE™ Collection Module - This secure, handheld device assures phlebotomists that they draw specimens from the correct patient for the correct ordered test. The module is optional.
With a barcode wand attached to CyberMATE, the phlebotomist can scan the patient's wristband to ensure positive patient identification. When the specimens are collected, the action is recorded in CyberMATE and later uploaded to the CyberLAB system. This system reduces redundant entry errors and increases productivity.
Alerts by the CyberLAB system Reduce Result Entry Errors - The application alerts the user of abnormal result values, changed result values, erroneous result values, delta result variances, and other result discrepancies. This system ensures patient safety.
Also, the CyberLAB system alerts the user to phone the caregiver if the result is abnormal or changed, which provides improved communication to the caregiver. Call comments that note the call occurred become part of the patient record.
Autorelease, also known as autoverification, allows the laboratory to release normal results and review only abnormal values based on rules defined by the laboratory.
Autorelease is a key function in many of today's productivity- and efficiency-conscious labs and can significantly improve turnaround time, reduce errors, and address personnel resource requirements.
Medical Necessity Validation (MNV) - Federal legislation requires that tests ordered for patients enrolled in federally funded health care programs must be reviewed for medical necessity.
If an ordered test fails an MNV review, an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) waiver form is generated. The signed waiver indicates the patient agrees to pay for the test. This prevents unnecessary write-offs for the facility.
Order Entry Decision Support - Allows a facility to properly route tests to an approved performing laboratory based on the criteria of the payor, such as an insurance company.
Multisite Functionality - Worklists and clinical reports based on performing and reporting sites are automatically routed, without additional user intervention. This system improves workflow efficiency.
Point-of-Care Module - Captures the Point-of-Care (POC) order/result data from handheld devices or data entered manually via the POC module. Ensures a more complete patient medical record. Captures charges that might otherwise be lost. The module is optional.
Billing Interface to Host or Other Financial System - The module generates a batch file of all charges, which can be transmitted to a host system for claim generation. Electronic transmission of claims reduces lost claims. The module is optional.
Reference Laboratories - Electronic placement of orders and receipt of results reduces the amount of paper and result transcription error. The module is optional.
WebGateway™ Order Entry and Result Inquiry - This module allows remotely located physicians and authorized staff to directly enter orders, perform MNV checking and have waivers signed, and immediately access a patient's test results. It reduces data entry errors at the facility and expedites the patient process cycle.
Quick Launch Icons - Sets of quick launch icons can be created by your facility to provide speedy access to menu options in the CyberLAB system. Each icon in the set is assigned to a menu option and Alt key on the computer keyboard.
A maximum of 20 icons can display at the top of each screen in the application. A default set for all users and special custom sets can be created. A set is assigned to a user based on the user's classification.
Interfaces - Increase efficiency in the test process and decrease time spent in order entry.
Host Interface (Computer System of a Facility) - Patient information, including orders, can be transmitted from and to the CyberLAB system.
Instrument Interface - Orders for tests received by the CyberLAB system are transmitted to designated instruments. Test results from the instruments are returned to the CyberLAB system.
Autorelease, also known as autoverification, allows the laboratory to release normal results and review only abnormal values based on rules defined by the laboratory.
Turnaround Time (TAT) Reports - A facility can generate a variety of TAT reports that allow the lab manager to identify areas within the lab that require improvement.
Management Reports - Reduces staff time needed to gather statistical data for compliance reports. The reports include TAT, Quality Control statistics, Inquiry Access for HIPAA, and the Result Certification Log.
SQL Gateway - Generates laboratory-specific statistical and management reports. Allows the facility to identify trends, patterns, and other issues that affect work flow and patient care. Exports data to standard Report Writer for data manipulation and report generation. Optional module.
Standing Orders Module - Allows complete scheduling of standing (and future) order patients and directly connects to functions that collect and process samples.