Another Meditech question

[Beth Palmateer]

Hi, everyone-

We are still in the process of looking at Meditech as our main vendor.  We are looking at the latest and greatest Client Server.  I heard that they will send data outbound, but don’t allow inbound interfacing to insure the integrity of their data.  I was just curious whether this was true.  Has anyone out there implemented an interface from Cloverleaf to Meditech, and if so, how difficult was it?  (We are 5.2 on AIX 5.1)

Beth

Salina Regional Health Center

Topic

[Bob Moore]

My guess is you’re getting mixed signals due to the nature of Meditech’s Database.  We currently have inbound interfaces to Meditech – Specifically Lab Results, Radiology(ITS) Results, Billing(B/AR) Charges and soon PACS Results.  These are all purchased interfaces and work well with relative ease to develop in conjunction with QDX.  You have some control on the Meditech side in the MIS Database “Background Jobs” and “IN/OUT Boxes”.  The confusion comes into play in regards to the Database – It is a Windows file based system and very proprietary.  Inorder to gain access to the database for some items not worthy of the outlay for an interface, we initially had to resort to a combination of screen scraping tools(Automate Pro) and sending reports to files to get some info out. We also used screen scrapes to get some data in through the GUI on a limited basis.  We are now working with Ipeople(Meditech Partner) to access the database using an ODBC tool they have developed for getting info out with out the screen scrapes – It works quite well, but does not allow for populating data.  Another potential partner is Boston Software.  Hope this helps; good luck.

[Donna Bailey]

I will agree with Bob for the most part.  If you need an interface Meditech is usually more that willing to sell you one.  Just keep in mind, that if you have an engine that can translate you should only need one of a particular type of interface.  ie if you have an Orders IB, as long as you have full capability, NW, CA, SC, you only need the one.  You just need to be able to translate for  all the information required for Meditech to receive the messages.  We have Magic to C/S interfaces that were set up and I was able to work around most of our PACS interfaces using what I already had.  Saved us a few $$’s.   Just so you know also, Iatrics is a service provider that can set up interfaces externally for a little better price.

Donna Bailey
Tele: 315-729-3805
dbailey@microstar.health
Micro Star Inc.

[Beth Palmateer]

Thanks, Bob.  This makes more sense.  I’m becoming more comfortable with the possibility of working with Meditech but there will probably be other not-quite-correct statements thrown around with the rumors.  I’m glad I have this listserv to get the answers I need!

Beth

[Author]

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