Study to Determine a Viable System for Tracking Outpatient Medical Records atLetterman Army Medical Center

摘要

A two-part study of the Outpatient Medical Records Branch (OMRB) was conducted atLetterman Army Medical Center because of the inability to adequately monitor and track outpatient medical records, as well as because of a Joint Commission finding that records were not being adequately safeguarded. The first part of the study consisted of an examination of how the branch functions internally and how it relates to other areas within the MEDCEN, and a review of three medical record tracking systems (MRTSs) currently used at other hospitals. Those MRTSs that satisfied the basic requirements at LAMC were further reviewed. The second part of the study involved a comparison between and cost analysis of those MRTSs that satisfied the basic LAMC requirements. Two of three record tracking systems that were reviewed satisfied the minimal requirements. Therefore, the deciding factor came down to a simple, straight-forward cost comparison. The record tracking system from Current Technologies Concepts (CTC) 'Medical Record Automated Chargeout System' proved to be the least expensive system and is recommended for purchase and implementation. Both options (portable and fixed) offered by CTC were less expensive than the systems offered by Intelus. It is anticipated the selected system will (1) increase productivity within the OMRB with minimal increase in resources, and (2) improve accountability of outpatient records.