CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merge Healthcare Incorporated (Nasdaq:MRGE), a leading provider of clinical systems and innovations that seek to transform healthcare, today announced the launch of electronic referrals and online order management for iConnect® Network. The expanded service offering adds to Merge's advanced interoperability network for the exchange of clinical data, which integrates with existing electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIE), allowing healthcare organizations to further streamline workflow, reduce costs, increase referrals and meet Meaningful Use (MU) requirements.
"As one of the largest freestanding imaging centers in North Texas, we were looking for a solution that would provide us with mobility and instant access," said Philip Collins, Director of Business Services at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC). "We've been leveraging iConnect Network since early 2014, and the new features for electronic patient referrals and online ordering that we're currently testing for implementation will really push our practice to the next level. Removing the manual process for physician requests with input directly into the radiology information system (RIS) is key for us to cost effectively streamline workflow and improve patient care."
Interoperability continues to play a large role in enabling healthcare organizations to communicate within a network to enhance quality patient care. In addition, MU requirements are top of mind and EHR adoption rates at an all-time high. iConnect Network brings electronic order processing and patient referrals into the existing data exchange network, delivering orders directly into imaging center sites and automatically pushing results back into the physician's EHR.
"We're excited to introduce the newest version of iConnect Network to our customers. By collaborating with Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, we've been able to ensure that the electronic order processing and referral enhancement technology we're offering to our customers meet true industry needs for advanced interoperability," said Justin Dearborn, CEO at Merge. "In addition, with the trends of value-based purchasing and narrow networks on the rise as a result of accountable care, it is more important than ever for healthcare providers to be able to deliver more collaborative care. These advancements to iConnect Network enable our customers to prepare for these fundamental changes that will inevitably impact their business, further allowing them to optimize their referral networks and maximize their reimbursements."
To learn more about iConnect Network, visit Merge booth #600 at the RBMA 2014 Fall Educational Conference in Seattle, WA from October 19-21 or go to merge.com/iConnectNetwork.
About Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center
Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC) is one of the largest freestanding imaging centers in North Texas. With 29 years of continuous imaging service to the North Texas region, SWDIC provides the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach. SWDIC has been exclusively radiologist-managed and has led North Texas in diagnostic imaging and health screening since 1985, serving thousands of patients from the Dallas area and across the nation. SWDIC independently manages and serves individual patients as well as private medical practices, insurance companies, and over 75 managed care companies, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Point Of Service (POSs), Medicare, and Medicaid. To learn more about SWDIC, visit www.swdic.com.
About Merge
Merge is a leading provider of innovative enterprise imaging, interoperability and clinical systems that seek to advance healthcare. Merge's enterprise and cloud-based technologies for image intensive specialties provide access to any image, anywhere, any time. Merge also provides clinical trials software with end-to-end study support in a single platform and other intelligent health data and analytics solutions. With solutions that have been used by providers for more than 25 years, Merge is helping to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and enhance the quality of healthcare worldwide. For more information, visit merge.com and follow us @MergeHealthcare.
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