During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities and laboratories faced unprecedented challenges. Many labs were not equipped to deliver test results electronically, creating significant communication bottlenecks. As Christmas approached, the urgency for timely COVID-19 test results escalated, especially for patients wishing to safely attend gatherings. Just before Christmas, we received a frantic call from one of our regional lab customers, seeking immediate assistance to enable the electronic delivery of COVID-19 test results via email and text message. electronic proof of negative test results to join holiday. Traditional methods, such as manual phone call updates, were not sufficient under the circumstances.

Project Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical necessity for rapid and  accurate communication of test results to the patients in a timely manner. Our client was receiving COVID-19 lab test orders in diverse file formats (HL7 V2, flat files, notes, etc.) from various testing centers, including airports, community centers, local laboratories, and drugstores. This heterogeneity in data formats presented significant challenges in terms of integration, standardization, and efficient processing of the COVID-19 test orders. ClinDCast developed an Interoperability solution to process the COVID19 orders in HL7 V2 ORU messages format and configured the system to share the COVID-19 test results with patients via mobile text message and email

Client Background:

The Customer, a prominent regional lab center in Texas, offers modern digital engagement for seamless order submission and transparent information access, with a strong commitment to timely reporting of test results. The client aimed to streamline their COVID-19 test order data acquisition process and integrate the orders into their Cerner SunQuest lab application for efficient processing of COVID-19 orders and results.

Challenges:

• Receiving COVID-19 Lab Orders in different file formats
• securely share the COVID-19 test results with patients via mobile text message and email.
• COVID-19 orders and results are processed manually, leading to delays
• Results are shared through paper-based reports, causing inefficiencies and errors.

Project Goals: To automate the COVID-19 test order processing and securely share the COVID-19 test results with patients via mobile text message and email

Solution:

• Implement HL7 v2 ORU messaging standards to automate the processing of COVID orders and results.
• Establish connectivity with approximately 500+ COVID testing centers to submit Orders.
• Integrate HL7-compliant systems to facilitate seamless data exchange.
• Implement an automated system to send test results directly to patients’ cell phones via text message.
• Set up alert notifications to keep patients informed.
• Develop a standardized process to ensure seamless result transmission despite varying message formats.

Benefits and Results:

• Increased Efficiency: Automation of COVID test result processing minimizes manual intervention, resulting in faster and more accurate handling of test orders and results. This automation reduces manual work by 80%.
• Reduced Wait Times: Test results are processed and communicated to patients in real-time, significantly decreasing wait times and enhancing overall patient experience.
• Timely Communication: The automated text messaging system ensures that test results are sent directly to patients’ cell phones, providing prompt and reliable communication.

Please contact our team for more information:
FHIR@ClinDCast.com
+1 813 279 5538