Product Profile
Product name
Allscripts Professional EHR
EHR Certification
CCHIT Child Health
Meaningful Use – Stage 1 (ONC-ATCB Certified 2011/2012)
CCHIT 2011 (Pre-Market or Fully Certified)
History of development and product ownership
In 2006, Allscripts acquired A4 Health Systems' HealthMatics EHR which was focused on small to mid-size physician practices and independent physician groups.
Was the product known by any other names in the past three years?
Yes
Healthmatics EHR
Year that a fully functional version of this EHR product was first implemented in a medical practice in the US
1996
Number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff fully dedicated to this product
Product development: 391
Sales: 364
Implementation: 447
Support and maintenance: 693
Typical size of practice in which this EHR has been implemented
4–10 physicians
11–25 physicians
>25 physicians
Typical setting in which this EHR system is used
Community Health Center/Clinic
Multispecialty Clinic
Private Ambulatory Care Office
What specialties does this EHR support?
Adolescent Medicine
Allergy and Immunology
Cardiology - Non Invasive
Endocrinology/Diabetes/Metabolism
Gastroenterology
General Internal Medicine
General Practice/Family Practice
Hematology
Nephrology
Neurology
OB/Gyn & Women's Health
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedic Surgery
Otolaryngology
Pediatrics
Public/Community Health
Pulmonary Medicine
Rheumatology
Urology
Areas of the United States in which this EHR product is sold
North East
Mid Alantic
South
Midwest
South West
West
Hardware / Network
Operating system platform(s) supported
Client (Desktop) - Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista client operating systems for thick client installation. We support Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for thin client installations. Server - Microsoft Windows Server 2008.
Does the company resell any hardware?
Dell, HP, and IBM hardware can be quoted upon request. An Allscripts Hardware maintenance agreement will cover all equipment listed on the itemized contract customers sign with Allscripts. It covers any equipment failure due to wear caused by normal use. The contract covers the field engineers travel expense, onsite labor, and any parts used to resolve the issue. It does not cover damage due to misuse, natural disaster (lighting, flood, fire, etc.), or theft. For clients who do not have hardware maintenance, service is available and will be billed at normal time and materials rates. In the event of a hardware failure, you should call the regular support number. Your call will be routed to the appropriate team who will resolve the call or dispatch a field engineer.
Preferred list of 3rd party hardware suppliers
Allscripts prefers to work directly with the vendor.
Preferred list of 3rd party IT Support vendors?
N/A
Does the product work over a wireless (WIFI) network?
Yes
Optional 802.11abg wireless networking can be used for Professional EHR for wireless handhelds.
VARs - Value Added Resellers
Do you use value added resellers to sell and distribute this EHR?
Yes
Can customers purchase your product directly from your company or only from your VAR’s
Yes
Customers can purchase directly through Allscripts or our reseller, Henry Schein.
Can customers who have purchased your product through a VAR contact your company for support?
Yes
Allscripts provides support through our maintenance agreement
Application Service Provider
Do you offer an ASP version of your EHR product?
Yes
Can you use Dragon or MS voice tools on your ASP solution?
Yes
Dragon Medical, from Nuance, is supported.
Company policy regarding data ownership for the ASP EHR
The client retains full ownership of patient-specific data.
Location of data hosting centers
Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX
Software & Database
What programming language were used to develop the application?
Microsoft Windows Server 2003/SQL Server 2005 with Delphi.
Do you provide a test version of your EHR product for training and quality assurance(QA) purposes as well as the full production environment that is installed in the clinic? (The test version is a segmented area where users can make changes to templates or forms without it affecting the live environment)
Yes
Allscripts will support one test/training and one live environment for system setup and testing as well as production use.
Are 3rd party applications required to use your EHR?
No
Do you use standard terminologies, e.g., SNOMED-CT, LOINC, ICD9, ICD10 in your program?
ICD-9, SNOMED-CT, CPT, and others are supported and utilized in the products. ICD-10 is on our roadmap.
Expected date to be in compliance with ICD10 coding
Allscripts has made the necessary internal preparations to quickly and efficiently implement the ICD-10 coding standard once this coding set is finalized.
Expected date to be in compliance with SNOMED-CT
SNOMED-CT will be available in an upcoming release.
Interfaces / Interoperability
Does this product have existing lab interfaces with Quest? If Yes, please explain whether the interfaces are uni or bi-directional.
Yes
Bi-directional interface
If Yes to the previous question, are the interfaces bundled or provided at additional cost? Please explain.
Yes
Additional interface fees would apply.
If the lab company picks up the costs, will the practice be charged maintenance and support fees? If Yes, please explain.
Does this product have existing lab interfaces with Labcorp? If Yes,
Yes
bi-directional interface
If Yes to the previous question, are the interfaces bundled or provided at additional cost? Please explain.
Yes
Additional interface fees would apply.
If the lab company picks up the costs, will the practice be charged maintenance and support fees? If Yes, please explain.
Does the company offer an integrated EHR/PM system? (i.e. a combined EHR/PM system)
Yes
Allscripts PM integrates with Allscripts Professional EHR.
[If yes to the previous question] Does your system used a single shared database (not interfaced) for the EHR/PM system?
No
Can your product be interfaced with a different PM system if the practice chooses to do so?
Yes
Allscripts has successfully interfaced with many other PM systems.
List of Practice Management systems with which you have existing interfaces
Allscripts PM
ADS (Medics Elite)
Athena Health (AthenaNet)
Avisena
Cerner ProMed
Clinix
Experior
Health Office Management System (HOMS)
Healthland - Phys Practice Mgt
IDX
Sage Intergy
McKesson
MD-Office
MDEverywhere
Medical Manager
MediCat
MedTron
MegaWest
MicroMD
GE Centricy PM
MOMS (Datatel Solutions)
PCN Health Networks
PowerBill (RSL Consulting)
Pulse Systems
Quadax (HARP)
Sansio HealthEMS
VantageMed
Versys MENDS (Benchmark)
VitalWorks
eMedSys (Westland)
CCA
CSC
EdgeMed
Florida Medical (AlphaMed)
HealthPac
Horizon
LVM Systems
MedAsis
NextGen (QSII)
QRS (Paradigm)
Versys MENDS HL7 (Bradford Scott)
Lytech
PPM (Practice Point Mgr)
If you do not have an interface with a particular PM system, are you willing to develop a custom interface?
Yes
Allscripts Professional EHR can integrate with a variety of systems via standard HL7 interface. Allscripts would be willing to further discuss this specific item and provide the necessary configuration to serve this integration need.
If an interfaced PM system is used, does your EHR product transfer billing and coding data captured during the encounter to the PM system? If yes, is this a one-step or multi-step process?
Yes
Procedure and visit codes from Professional EHR are transmitted to the PM system where billing occurs. As a provider signs off on a note, those charges flow in one of two ways to the billing staff. This can happen in either a batch mode or one at a time at a check-out window. The biller enters the patient's name and the charges automatically populate the charge entry screen for review and posting. Copays can be entered at that time or applied to the charges if they were collected at check in.
Does the EHR use an interface engine?
Yes
Allscripts Inteface Engine v.9.3
Implementation and training
Tools and/or services offered to clients in order to achieve meaningful use of their EHR?
Allscripts will guarantee to our customers that our EHR solutions will meet the Meaningful Use certification criteria. If not, Allscripts will credit a customer up to 12 months of support fees. We are committing that for every month our software does not meet the criteria, we will credit that month’s service fees. Please note, this only applies to our Service Maintenance Agreement (SMA) and does not apply to license fees, third-party software fees or implementation fees.
Tools and/or services offered to clients for current workflow analysis and redesign when using an EHR?
Upon implementation, a Project Manager and Implementation Specialist will meet with your practice to discuss the implementation process.The goal is to evaluate workflows and set expectations for your practice.
Transformation services consultants help your practice bring people, process, and technology into alignment. With our on-site and virtual visits, our teams help clients identify inefficiencies, errors, and areas to streamline their processes and workflow.
Do you recommend a graduated implementation or a big-bang implementation (all live at the same time) for your EHR?
Allscripts recommends a graduated implementation plan.
What training mechanisms are used by the EHR Vendor?
On Site
At Corporate Facility
Web Based
Web Based interactive
Is there a minimum amount of training required by your company in order to satisfy the support and maintenance contract that we would sign with you?
No
There is no minimum amount of training required. Sufficient training will help ensure successful roll-out and adoption of the application. Practice staff must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Windows prior to training.
Do you provide any guarantees regarding the ability of a practice to meet meaningful use requirements?
Yes
We will guarantee that Allscripts Professional EHR will meet the Stage 1 Meaningful Use certification criteria. For every month our software does not meet the Meaningful Use certification criteria, we will credit that month’s service fees (for up to 12 months). Please note, this only applies to our Service Maintenance Agreement (SMA) and does not apply to license fees, third-party software fees or implementation fees.
Does your company provide any guarantees that your EHR product will comply with Stage 2 and Stage 3 meaningful use requirements?
Yes
We will guarantee that Allscripts Professional EHR will meet the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Meaningful Use certification criteria.
Is there a minimum amount of training required by your company in order for our practice to satisfy compliance with meaningful use guarantees?
No
However, sufficient training will help ensure successful roll-out and adoption of the Professional EHR application.
What services do you offer for post-implementation optimization of the system with respect to training and system customization?
We can provide Transformation Services post go-live. Transformation services consultants provide advanced level investigation and strategic planning to help your practice bring people, process, and technology into alignment. With our on-site and virtual visits, our teams help clients identify inefficiencies, errors, and areas to streamline their processes and workflow.
Prescribing
Does your product support ePrescribing? Is there an additional charge for this service or is it included in the overall cost?
Yes
Included in the price quotation.
Which formulary does your product use?
Surescripts/RxHub
Does the system allow users to add drugs that may not be in the original database?
Yes
Drugs can be added.
How are drug allergies and adverse reactions recorded and integrated into the prescribing module?
Drug allergies are documented in the patient's allergy history. When a prescription is written, the application automatically performs a cross reference against the patient's allergy history and generates alerts immediately when the medication is selected.
When prescribing multiple medications, am I presented with an ability to separately acknowledge or document individual alerts?
Yes
Is there an ability for the physician or practice to modify preset alerts? (e.g. Severe vs. mild or moderate)
Yes
Alerts can be set at the practice level, not the individual physician level.
Is there an ability for the physician to filter the display of alerts?
No
In this release alerts cannot be filtered.
How are episodic and long-term medications tracked in the patient’s record?
All medications are tracked in the patient record. Medications can be viewed differently. The medications list can be sorted by: All, Current, Previous, Administered, or Erroneous.
Does the system allow users to switch drug interaction checking on or off?
No
Drug interactions checjung can not be turned off , however they can be overridden with an explanation of the reason for override.
In the medication list, is a user able to sort medications by multiple parameters including date prescribed, diagnostic code, active or discontinued?
Yes
The medications list can be sorted by: all, current, previous, administered, erroneous as well as date prescribed, date discontinued, etc.
Templates
What pre-defined templates do you provide?
Definition: A template is a pre-defined structured capability to rapidly record content including information on clinical conditions or vital signs through mechanisms such as menus, predefined fields or checklis
Documentation is supported through system-delivered templates. Users can also customize their own templates. Predefined content is delivered to enable documentation of all components of a patient visit (Reason for Visit, History, Review of Systems, Physical Exam and Plan). There are also Procedure templates delivered along with Patient Education and Anatomical Diagrams. In addition, there are templates for letters, consent forms, reminders, patient summaries and more.
Do you charge additional fees for any of templates?
No
Can clients customize existing templates?
Yes
Existing templates can be easily customized. The Clinical Customization Module provides the ability to add/edit/delete the clinical terms and templates used throughout the EHR.
Can clients use tools provided through the system to develop their own templates?
Yes
Existing templates can be easily customized. The Clinical Customization Module provides the ability to add/edit/delete the clinical terms and templates used throughout the EHR.
Will your company build custom custom templates to the practices specifications?
Yes
An additional fee would apply.
If a doctor has created a custom template in their EHR, will the templates and custom rules be maintained when new full releases and patches are installed?
Yes
We can work with you to name custom templates such that they are maintained when new releases are installed.
Support & Maintenance
What is the process for managing questions and service requests?
Allscripts provides 24x7 software support. Clients utilize the Allscripts client website for the online management of support requests, enhancement requests, training schedules & product documentation downloads, as well as company news & communications.
Are different tiers of support offered (including pricing information)?
Yes
Allscripts Support offers the following additional billable services: Technical & Application Services, Allscripts Academy, Field Engineering Services and Operational Services.
What are the options for a client to contact your company for support?
Clients can contact us on-line and via a toll free telephone number for support.
What level and type(s) of support are provided during go-live?
Allscripts will conduct a call prior to the first onsite visit to define the implementation process.
The Implementation Specialist will work with your practice to customize the EHR to meet the specific needs and will work one-on-one with your practice team.
Allscripts provides both on-site and remote training. Providers and all staff members will receive hands-on training and be given the opportunity to practice using the EHR. Allscripts also provides on-site support during Go-live.
Is a formal users' group, online community forum or other form of social networking community available?
Allscripts hosts a national User Group Conference for users to exchange information, learn new features and optimize use. The conference includes panel discussions, specialty-specific roundtables, product training sessions and a hands-on support area.
What are the standard hours of operation during which support is provided?
Allscripts regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm local time for the client, exclusive of published Allscripts holidays.
What are the steps for a client to escalate a support request?
When the entire system is disabled, Allscripts defines this as Priority Level “Down”. Allscripts will work as expeditiously as possible to correct the problem. The Manager of the Business Unit and the Director of Client Services will be notified of any Priority Level "Down" phoroblem that has not been resolved within three business hours. If the problem has not been resolved within six (6) business hours, the Vice-President responsible for Client Services will be notified.
Do you use off-shore technical support?
No
Are software upgrades provided as part of the software maintenance contract?
Yes
All new releases are provided at no charge to clients who are receiving software maintenance services and are current on payments.
How are customer requests for enhancements and customizations handled?
Software issues can be reported either by calling our Help Desk or through our website. Priority Level “Enhancement” problems are any suggestions on improving the Software Components or enhancements and features which the Software Components do not yet contain. Allscripts may correct such errors or defects in the Software Components in future versions of the Software Components but have no obligation to provide any Priority Level “Enhancement” suggestions in the Software Components.
How are drug interaction tools updated in your system?
The Medi-Span database contains currently available medications, along with codes for manufacturer, product, and packaging identification. This database is updated quarterly.
How are patient education materials updated in your system?
Patient education is provided by McKesson clinical reference systems. It is included as a standard part of the Professional system. Education materials are updated annually. Internally-developed patient content is released two to three times a year.
How are requests from clients handle for customizations of their system post “go-live”?
Allscripts encourages user feedback continuously throughout the year. An online Client Website allows users to submit product enhancement requests at any time. These requests are compiled, prioritized by key users and finally voted upon by the Physician Advisory Board during its annual meeting, which appropriately takes place the day following the User Group Conference.
Is remote monitoring available with the ability to alert clients about system problems?
No
Allscripts provides Allscripts Safeguard. Allscripts SafeGuard is a new service-based approach to proactive technical support that alerts Allscripts to potential problems before they may affect your practice.
What is your recommended backup strategy?
The SQL Maintenance Scheduler periodically saves database updates to flat disk files throughout the day. A nightly backup process such as Symantec Backup Exec is run each night to save the flat files to a tape or external disk location. This method of backup permits the database to be up and running without interruption 24 hours per day. The SQL backup file (.bak) can be restored to the SQL database if data restoration is required.
Do you offer remote backup for a client's system?
Yes
This service assures that throughout your day, if an emergency were to occur, you would be able to continue your critical business processes. This service is provided at an Allscripts facility and is available to on-premise server clients.
When an interface goes down, how is that information recovered?
The information is not lost. It remains queued until transmitted.
Reporting Tools
Does your system provide a reporting tool with pre-formatted reports?
Yes
Standard reports are available. The reporting module allows you to define the patient populations you want in the report on. It also lets you create your own definitions, schedulereports to run at predefined intervals.
Is your reporting tool able to create the following reports?
1.Generate a list of all patients with a chronic condition (e.g. Diabetes, COPD)
2.Generate a list of all patients with a specific condition who have not been seen within a defined period
3.Generate a list of all patients with a specific condition and lab result who have not been seen within a defined period. (e.g. diabetic patients with a HbA1c=9 not seen in the last 4 months)
4.Generate a list of all patients on a specific drug with an active medical problem
1.Yes
2.Yes
3.Yes
4.Yes
Are these reporting tools bundled with the EHR system or provided as add-ons?
Yes
The EHR Reporting Module is included in the core software for Professional EHR. Third party reporting software such as MS Excel, MS Access, Crystal and Cognos is also supported.
Does your system support PQRI (Physician Quality Reporting Initiative) reporting?
Yes
Professional EHR provides this capability through our partnership with CINA.
Order Management Tools
Does your program provide any order management tools?
Yes
Order management is inherent in Professional EHR.
Does your program provide any document management tools?
Yes
No additional cost. As part of the core software, the Professional EHR Input Module provides the tools necessary to scan documents and index them to the appropriate charts. Similar tools are used to index incoming faxes. Bar coding is supported.
Does your program provide any other workflow management tools?
Yes
We feature a full messaging system to automate workflow. Other automated areas include, electronic lab results, electronic refill requests, routing and electronic signature of scanned documents, and an electronic task list.
Patient Health Record (Portal)
Do you offer a Patient Health Record that integrates into your system?
No
PHR functionality is currently on our product roadmap. We currently offer the Allscripts Patient Portal for patients to communicate online with their physician practice.
Data Conversion
Do you offer data conversion services from other products to your product?
Yes
Data conversion is available for:
What are the data conversion and transfer costs?
Please contact your Sales Executive to discuss data, vendors, and pricing for potential conversions.