2 ASCs using EHRs

Here are two ambulatory surgery centers that utilize an EHR.

If you would like to recommend another surgery center for this list, contact Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com.

215 Surgery Center (Las Vegas). The surgery center went live with an Amkai Enterprise EHR in October 2014. The EHR was chosen based on local recommendations, prior use of the system from leaders at the facility and the ability to use clinic and surgery center settings.

"The implementation process went very smoothly," says Michael B. Chesek, MBA-HCM, administrator of the center. "Many integral staff members had used the system previously, and case volume was very minimal due to the facility recently opening its doors to patients."

The ASC has seen numerous benefits after the EHR implementation. According to Mr. Chesek nursing staff and anesthesiologists seem to love the interface between the patient monitor and EMR where vitals are pulled directly into the EMR from the monitor. Additionally, there a reports for quality improvement, infection control and chart auditing, ensuring that all charts are documented properly. The EMR also has a comprehensive reporting module and a scheduling system.

"We are beginning to utilize the inventory management module, which helps track our inventory turns and case costing, and allows us to be sure we have all appropriate supplies on hand for any specific case. I have also begun using the HR Module to stay on track for physician credentialing and reappointments. The system allows you to set 'reminders' when a license or certification is going to expire in the near future. I find this one of the best features, since it is difficult to track expirations and reappointments on paper," says Mr. Chesek.

Mr. Chesek is a former employee of AmkaiSolutions and served as the implementation consultant for 215 Surgery Center for the EMR.

The surgery center is headed by anesthesiologist Heath R. Wills, MD, and it offers spine and orthopedic services.

Ambulatory Surgery Center of Western New York (Amherst). The surgery center started using the SourcePlus EHR in September 2007. The system was suggested by the center's billing software vendor, according to Jessica Pitt, business manager.

Ms. Pitt noted that the implementation was difficult initially, as all charts had to be electronically created and the nurses had to re-learn them. The center used paper as a back-up — and still does — in case there are issues with the server.

"The benefit of implementing EHR is that we are now more HIPAA compliant," she says. "The medical records are easily accessible to surgeons and staff when needed. We can monitor who accesses the medical records and when they are being accessed. We use much less paper. We've saved money from not having to store charts offsite. We also have extra storage at the facility where the chart room was. Another benefit of the EHR is multiple departments can access the chart at the same time saving time during treatment."

The multispecialty surgery center is Medicare certified and accredited by Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The center performs around 15,000 cases annually.

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