In our last post, we provided an overview of Carequality and its transformative potential for healthcare data exchange. Now, we're excited to delve into the practical steps of using Carequality's functionality within your NextGen EHR system. This guide will walk you through the detailed processes of leveraging the Carequality/Surescripts Record Locator and Exchange (RLE) features. By following these steps, you'll be able to seamlessly exchange patient data with other Carequality participants, enhancing interoperability, improving patient care, and streamlining your workflows.

Continue reading to find a step-by-step guide on accessing the Data Share Module, initiating queries, scheduling queries, viewing queried documents, and importing documents in the Data Share Module. 

Accessing the Data Share Module

1. Locate the Data Share Module Badge Button:

   • The button is on the Patient Information Bar in NextGen EHR.
   • Depending on your screen resolution, it may display as "Data Share" or "DS".

2. Enable Data Share Functionality:

   • Ensure you are on NextGen version 5.9 or higher.
   • Properly configure Carequality/Surescripts RLE.

Initiating a New Query

1. Open the Data Share Module:

   • Click the Data Share Module Badge Button.

2. Initiate a Query:

   • Click the Query Info drop-down arrow.
   • Update the search fields to specify search criteria.
   • If the search panel is closed, click “Search” on the left border to expand it.
   • Click “Search” to initiate the query.
   • A “searching” message displays as the query runs.
   • Use the Cancel button to stop the query if needed.

3. Handling Results:

   • An error message displays if the system times out.
   • When the query completes, available documents will display.
   • Note: Patients can opt out of sharing their data.

Scheduled Queries

1. Enable Scheduled Queries:
   • Initiate queries based on future appointments in NextGen Enterprise PM.
   • Receive an Inbox notification by default for successful queries.
   • To enable or adjust settings, open a case in the NextGen Healthcare Success Community.

Viewing Queried Documents

1. Access the Data Share Module:

   • Click the Data Share Button to view documents.
   • Preview documents using the CCDA viewer.

2. Document Details:

   • Hover over the Data Share Button to preview documents.
   • Click the Data Share Button to view documents in detail.
   • Each document displays the name of the organization, retrieval date, status, and title.
   • Statuses include: ready, expired (after 7 days), or imported.

3. View Additional Details:

   • Click the down arrow to view the full address of the organization.
   • Click the document link to open it in the CDA Viewer.
   • Use the “Custom View” and “Full View” tabs for details.

Importing Documents into the Data Share Module

1. Enable Automatic Import:

   • Open a case in the NextGen Healthcare Success Community.

2. Manual Import:

   • Tick the checkbox next to the document to import.
   • Click “Import Selected”.
   • The status updates to “importing” and then “Imported”.

3. Access Imported Documents:

   • Click the document link to open it.
   • Open the History toolbar by clicking the “History” button.
   • Click “Categories” and then the plus sign next to the Data Share folder.
   • The imported document will be listed; click to open it.
   • The document opens in the CDA Viewer for reconciliation.

4. Provider Approval Queue:

   • If set up, Health Information Exchange (HIE) documents appear here for further action.
   • Perform one-click reconciliation if needed.

By following these steps, you can optimize the interoperability of your EHR system, enabling more comprehensive and timely access to patient records from various Carequality participants. This not only enhances the quality of care you provide but also improves the efficiency of your workflows.

For a more in-depth look into a Carequality step-by-step guide, watch our on-demand webinar led by OSIS' HIT Optimization Consultant, L'Tanya Berry. Contact OSIS to learn more about how our team assists health centers with health information exchange interface deployment and support.