IBM, Initiate Systems collaborate for Ochsner EMR project

IBM and Initiate Systems reported that Ochsner Health System has selected the firms to improve the capabilities of its electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Under terms of the agreement, IBM and Initiate will customize Initiate Patient (formerly known as Initiate Identity Hub), an advanced enterprise master person index (EMPI) application for the sharing and management of patient data across highly disparate patient registration systems.

Ochsner Health System is Louisiana's largest non-academic health system and also its largest private employer, consisting of seven hospitals, 32 health centers, fitness centers and a hotel. The health system recently acquired three New Orleans community hospitals and is now in the process of merging disparate patient information and management systems, IBM said.

To meet Ochsner's requirements, IBM and Initiate will design and implement an open-standards-based EMPI capability that provides a foundation for existing EMR systems.

Around the web

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. 

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care.