Transmits EHR-Ready Radiology Results without an HL7 Feed

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – November 21, 2014

IDS debuts at RSNA 2014 the AbbaDox Exchange image and results communication platform, highlighted by the ability to automate distribution of final radiology reports to a referrer’s EHR through Meaningful Use-compliant Direct messaging. The innovative cloud-based technology also automatically transmits a full range of data, including image links and CCD files, to multiple sites across the continuum of care without a complex and costly HL7 feed.

Taking advantage of emerging secure data formatting standards along with Direct communications, the AbbaDox Exchange eliminates the complexity of HL7 data mapping, setup and maintenance. Through AbbaDox cloud message processing, it also does away with the time-consuming user input that characterizes other image sharing systems to blend seamlessly with existing workflow.

To launch the process, the subscribing facility’s images and radiology reports automatically and transparently flow to the AbbaDox cloud platform after acquisition. Based on information in the report, they then are forwarded to the referring physician’s Direct email address, along with a link to the related diagnostic quality images. After viewing, the EHR-ready communication can be saved in the referrer’s EHR system or other patient file. The Direct standards specify a simple, consistent way to send authenticated, encrypted health information directly to trusted recipients over the Internet and are incorporated in Stage 2 Meaningful Use.

Image links that accompany reports will also help referrers meet certain requirements for Stage 2 Meaningful Use compliance, enhancing relationships between diagnostic centers and their referral base.

“Data sharing and transition of care are currently among the most significant and challenging issues in healthcare,” says Yaniv Dagan, CEO of IDS. “Typically, today sharing is facilitated through VPNs and HL7 connections, which are complex and costly solutions. These require specialized expertise and individual setup and maintenance. This does not allow cost-effective communications with all referring providers.”

While the emerging Direct message paradigm holds great promise and overcomes some of these problems, it requires extensive user input and management. “When a radiology or other medical practice handles a high volume of results transmissions, Direct message communication becomes extremely time consuming and error-prone,” he says.

Now, the AbbaDox Exchange takes this Meaningful Use Stage 2 communication standard to the cloud for full automation, while delivering a broad range of SaaS solution benefits. These include streamlined setup, scalability, and vendor maintenance and upgrades. Cloud-based technology also provides affordable costs through an economy of scale due to the deployment of existing IT components.

In addition to sending radiology and EHR data files, the AbbaDox Exchange facilitates transmission of information from any departmental IT system to a similar endpoint system as well as to another EHR. Radiology images can also be uploaded to the AbbaDox cloud Referring Physician Portal for viewing with the IDS DICOM viewer on all popular desktop and mobile platforms.

To meet a broad range of interoperability and data sharing needs, the versatile and robust platform also supports numerous industry communications standards and technologies including HL7, which may be preferable for some types of data exchanges. If necessary, files are specifically formatted for consistency with each receiving site’s endpoint systems. All technology is managed transparently by IDS.

The innovative AbbaDox Exchange provides a much needed solution as data communications and interoperability become increasingly important in healthcare today. In addition to communicating radiology data to referring and consulting physicians, common use cases for the AbbaDox Exchange include communications of data across HIEs and ACOs, multi-site hospitals and teleradiology practices, which may need to share information across disparate IT systems. They also include data sharing for trauma transfers, consults, and second opinions.