EMPI Implementation Services

NextGate is a pioneer and respected leader in the EMPI industry. For over 16 years we have been designing, implementing, and servicing EMPIs across a variety of healthcare environments. Our expert consultants incorporate advanced thought and reliable, efficient and maintainable code into your projects. Our experience, technical ability, and innovative product development set us apart from the rest.

We specialize in the MatchMetrix EMPI and the Oracle (Sun/SeeBeyond) eIndex, eView and Mural product lines. Our EMPI services cover all aspects of an implementation:

EMPI Implementation Methodology

NextGate developed an EMPI specific Implementation Methodology that targets the technical and business aspects of the project. The methodology is designed to ensure that quality is built into every deliverable, milestone by milestone, from conception through post go-live support.

The major elements of the Technical implementation are:

Data Investigation: Extract a representative set of patient records from each EMPI source system, and process them through the Nextgate Pattern Analyzer to identify characteristics of the data.

Algorithm Customization: Configure and tune the matching algorithm according to the results of the pattern analysis. Any field in the record can be considered as part of match determination.

Data Loading: Load data into the EMPI database using the same matching algorithm that will be employed in real time operation.

Integration Interface Setup: Create and deploy the interfaces required to connect the EMPI to its various constituent systems, incorporating any special logic such as automatic updates.

Application Configuration: Tailor the EMPI GUI to the implementation's requirements.

Operations and Support: Workflow training to identify and resolve potential duplicates, as well as for operations staff.

The major elements of the Business Process transformation are:

Data Management and Reconciliation: Discuss infrastructure changes to ensure the effective management of data, their linkages throughout the system and systems of precedence.

Business Process Review: Review and update, on an enterprise level, standard practices such as Patient Registration, Patient Data Maintenance, and merging and unmerging medical records.

Two-Phase Implementation Approach

Typically, an EMPI is deployed in two distinct phases commonly referred to as Passive Implementation and Active Implementation. The purpose is to create the foundations of a working EMPI first, with all of the required backend connections and logic, and then make the EMPI accessible to front-end users, such as Registrars or Customer Services Representatives.

Passive EMPI Implementation

The Passive implementation establishes the EMPI as a backend database, passively collecting patient identifiers from source systems and compares them using a sophisticated matching algorithm. The EMPI evaluates patient records according to site-specific weighting criteria and either merges records under a single MRN, flags records as potential duplicates, or creates a new unique identifier. The unique identifier is used as the translation key for all other identifiers associated with a patient, making it possible to distribute patient information to systems that have a different numbering scheme for that patient. Front end users – like registrars or billing clerks – are unaware of the EMPI in their normal data flow process. In fact, HIM Professionals are the ones that interact directly with the system.

Active EMPI Implementation

EMPI Active mode takes the matching process to the end user for real-time record comparisons. For example, it allows a registrar to interact with the EMPI system at the point of registration and determine if the patient has a record anywhere in the system. Now, potential duplicates can be identified before they happen, and data can be cleansed immediately, in the presence of the patient.

This Active process can be deployed across most any system in an enterprise, not just the HIS. The user will see screen views that resemble their current system and experience efficient response times. Now, any point of entry can be enlisted to help improve the quality of data.

NextGate consultants have upgraded many EMPI Passive clients to the Active mode, enhancing the functionality and workflow of their system. Our experience with various vendors, technologies, and political environments gives us a distinct advantage and knowledgebase to assist you with the successful implementation of Active mode.