RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
AIMS / EHR Integration
Closing the Documentation Loop
and Enhancing Charge Capture in the Operating Room
Overview
In the operating room (OR), documentation challenges are a well-known source of inefficiency and error. Unlike the rest of the hospital, where medication documentation precedes administration through well-defined closed-loop systems, the OR often lacks a written order. Anesthesia providers administer drugs based on real-time patient needs, and post-documentation is common. This process is often incomplete, prone to errors, and leads to significant amounts of manual, time-consuming paperwork for pharmacy. Unfortunately, the paper trail is often difficult to recreate, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost charge capture opportunities.
But now, with SLS-WAVE, Codonics is extending Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) to the OR, introducing a paradigm shift for medication documentation in this high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
The Challenges of Documentation in the OR
The OR presents unique challenges compared to other hospital areas. The absence of a written order for medications, coupled with the urgency of procedures, results in incomplete and error-prone documentation. Even hospitals with an Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS) face inefficiencies, with clinicians often needing to scroll through extensive lists of medications to find the one that was actually administered. This process is not only slow, but prone to error, which makes it difficult to ensure accurate documentation and charge capture.
A Faster, Better Way: SLS-WAVE Integration with AIMS/EHR
For the first time, SLS-WAVE enables “hands-free” electronic documentation of medications administered in the OR. This integration with Epic and Cerner allows clinicians to scan the prepared syringe barcode using SLS-WAVE, instantly passing drug name, concentration and time stamp plus the exact NDC data to the AIMS system for real-time documentation in the patient record.
This streamlined process closes the documentation loop, providing numerous benefits:
- Improved Accuracy: Real-time data transfer ensures that the administered medication is electronically documented with the exact NDC, reducing errors.
- Faster Workflow: Clinicians no longer have to manually search through columns of medications or re-enter data, speeding up the entire medication administration process.
- Enhanced Charge Capture: With accurate and real-time documentation, the chance of missed charge capture is minimized, leading to improved revenue opportunities.
Key Benefits for Pharmacy and Clinicians
| For Pharmacy | For Anesthesia | |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Charge Capture with Epic and Cerner: SLS-WAVE’s ability to capture the exact NDC, automatically documenting the drug, concentration, and time stamp improves charge capture, billing accuracy, and supports 340B reimbursement. | Improved Patient Safety: SLS-WAVE enhances patient safety by providing verification of the prepared syringe, acting as a triple safety check prior to administration. | |
| Less Manual Work: By reducing the need for manual data entry and paperwork, pharmacy teams can save significant time, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks. | Fewer Clicks and Reduced Tasks: Clinicians benefit from a simplified process—less manual input, fewer clicks, and more time spent on patient care. | |
| Accurate Documentation: Electronic transfer of medication data to AIMS/EHR systems ensures reliable, complete documentation that aligns with hospital billing and compliance standards. | Consistent with BCMA Initiatives: Makes the OR consistent with BCMA practices across the hospital, ensuring comprehensive documentation and accountability. |
Real ROI and Efficiency Gains
The integration of SLS-WAVE with Epic and Cerner makes BCMA a reality in the OR. This closed-loop system ensures the right drug is administered to the right patient with the highest level of documentation accuracy.
- Maximized Revenue: The ability to automatically document medications using the exact NDC improves charge capture and enhances 340B compliance, providing healthcare facilities with tangible financial benefits.
- Improved Safety and Compliance: Real-time documentation helps prevent errors and ensures compliance with safety protocols, leading to better patient outcomes.
- Increased Clinician Efficiency: Clinicians can focus more on patient care with fewer manual tasks, improving both workflow efficiency and clinician satisfaction.
A Complete Solution for Real-Time Documentation
Codonics SLS-WAVE is the breakthrough technology that transforms medication administration documentation in the OR. By integrating seamlessly with Epic and Cerner AIMS, SLS-WAVE provides “hands-free” electronic documentation that significantly reduces the administrative burden on clinicians while improving safety, charge capture, and compliance.
