Ochsner Clinic
Ochsner Clinic Foundation, a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving the New Orleans area, was dissatisfied with the appearance of its admissions package. Gary Hattier, the Ochsner I.S. project analyst responsible for ADT forms administration, explained, “We needed to improve our consistency and efficiency.” That’s when Ochsner began considering forms automation software - no small step for an organization that spends a considerable amount on pre-printed forms each year. Ochsner chose PatientWorks, the forms automation software from NewBold. This software streamlines paperwork by eliminating pre-printed forms. PatientWorks merges patient data onto an electronic form and then automatically distributes the needed number of copies to the designated printers, as well as e-mail, fax and PDF documents or other output devices throughout the organization.
“PatientWorks provided the best overall approach for us,” Hattier said. “We are able to get the information we need, when we need it.”
Besides printing admission forms, Ochsner has begun using PatientWorks to produce prescription cards and barcoded labels and patient wristbands. The software’s e-mail capability allows the health system to notify physicians when one of their patients is admitted or discharged. Internal departments are notified via e-mail when the status of a patient changes.
With more than one million patient visits annually, it was a major change to switch to electronic forms. But since installing PatientWorks in March 2000, Ochsner has expanded its use of the new forms automation software hospital-wide and to two of the satellite registration areas.
“PatientWorks represents a significant and logical upgrade for healthcare providers who are now using Addressograph electric imprinters and plastic card embossers,” said Chris Joyce, Director of Software Development and Support for NewBold. “Healthcare providers are under tremendous pressure to cut costs. Not only do our e-forms solutions offer significant cost savings, they reduce error, save staff time and ultimately improve patient care.