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The heartbeat of a healthcare organization is the system architecture that runs operations. Healthcare executives face a challenging decision about how and when to replace legacy accounting and laboratory systems, particularly in economically stressful times. Two reports from Keystone Laboratory Systems (KLAS) may assist in decision-making.

The KLAS Performance/Perception Report determined that nearly 20 percent of hospitals with more than 200 beds plan to soon replace laboratory systems, but the decision is divided as to how: choose a feature-rich system for efficiency or one that assures easy integration.



The KLAS HIS Revenue Management - Is the Next Generation Patient Accounting Ready? Report evaluates offerings based on their ROI. Again, KLAS found the same divided decision criteria.

KLAS Chairman Kent Gale said, "When evaluating revenue management solutions, healthcare providers are very interested in benefiting from advantages like integration and concurrent coding - advantages that are realized when the clinicals and financials are from the same vendor." He stated that the vendors that offer revenue management solutions and core clinical systems offer the most benefit and affects the decision 74 percent of the time.

"There is also a huge bonus when the vendor solution covers both inpatient and ambulatory segments," he added.

Of note is that cutting-edge laboratory information system features appear not to impact adoption trends. The company cites that many providers, for example, do not use advanced genetic or molecular testing options, that the vendors have not yet made them viable. Additionally, room for improvement in revenue management options includes core applications, areas of eligibility, medical necessity or credit history checking capabilities.

As a research firm working with more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500 clinics, KLAS specializes in monitoring and reporting on the performance of healthcare vendors. For more information, visit www.KLASresearch.com

Source: PR Web
Read more at:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/01/prweb1857344.ht