Priorities
Advanced Point of Care Systems (APOC)
In September 2005, contracts were signed with McKesson Information Solutions and PICIS Inc. for the purchase and implementation of “Advanced Point of Care (APOC) Clinical Information Systems.” The APOC components from McKesson include: Emergency Department Tracking, Clinical Documentation (non-physician), Order Entry, Pharmacy Management, Medication Administration, and Clinician Portal. PICIS software will be implemented as MUSC’s Perioperative and Anesthesia System. <More Detail>
PMSI/Practice Partner Expansion in Ambulatory Clinics
Practice Partner is MUSC’s outpatient component of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. The software provider for Practice Partner is Physician Micro System, Inc. (PMSI), based in Seattle Washington. Practice Partner, initiated at MUSC in 1992, is currently being used by more than 180 attending physicians. <More Detail>
Storage Area Network (SAN)
In an effort to gain greater efficiency and cost savings, the OCIO recently completed the purchase of a storage area network (SAN) from IBM. The SAN will eventually provide a centralized storage repository for data on all primary systems on campus. The SAN can be easily upgraded to accommodate additional storage requirements. It will also be used for centralizing management and backups of data and to provide a more secure environment. Once the SAN is installed, a number of issues regarding data storage will have to be addressed. These issues include retention of data, types of data stored, and archive strategies.
Enhanced support for Academic & Research
The rate of change in educational technology and tremendous growth in research at MUSC, call for additional support and solutions from IT. The newly created Center for Academic & Research Computing is focused on innovative problem-solving that enables and enriches research, teaching, and learning across the University. Specialized departmental needs for management of clinical trials have also spawned the search for a qualified vendor and software solution. Collaboration with the Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC) is also of paramount importance for providing information and resource sharing across the state.
Materials Management (PMM)
This new system will allow for the improvements in the flow and management of materials throughout MUSC. It replaces the 12-year-old NOVA materials management system. A new web-based catalog will be developed for use by the various departments throughout MUSC along with a "just in time" delivery system. The new system will be integrated with the PICIS cabinets as well as the new PYCIS Operating Room system. Our objectives include reduced dependence on Purchase cards and consolidation of commonly purchased items into standard contracts.
Revenue Cycle Improvements
To improve the revenue cycle for inpatient accounting services, we will make a major upgrade to our current Keane inpatient accounting system. The upgrade will include conversion to a new data base, revision of the registration screens using a GUI format, integration of EDI exchange capability with third-party carriers for eligibility and claims submission, and automation of the account linking process.
