Implement OSIS-recommended NextGen EDR processes to maximize employee productivity. We'll get into workflows for all areas of your practice that will ensure compliance with UDS and billing requirements. Our objective is to provide valuable insights that enhance the efficiency and precision of your practice, while also empowering patients with knowledge and active participation.
Ten Painless Features in NextGen EDR
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Service Restriction Rules: This feature empowers practices to establish rules for service item restrictions based on the payer. For instance, a dental insurer may limit prophy appointments to every six months, while the provider suggests a four-month interval or the patient prefers a different schedule. If the service is marked as "Planned," the restriction will activate, notifying you of the payer's guidelines so that the patient can be informed of any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Setup is simple with creating the Restriction Rules and then attaching them to a payer/code through Service Restriction Rules. With setup completed, the alert will populate when that service is added to a Pending Treatment Plan or Completed.
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Sealant Exclusion Codes by Age/Palette Button: Relies on the CPT code submitted through a dental system interface. Patients must have an oral assessment or oral examination and moderate to high-risk dental CRA during the measurement year to be included. Patients with non-sealable first permanent molars are excluded.
- Starting in Setup > Note Template, a Smart Note can be created that includes various reasons why the exclusion would apply and attaches the dummy code to the note.
- Then add your Smart Note to the Palette Button via the Palettes Setup.
- Once that's complete, Providers can then chart the sealant exclusions by utilizing the new button and the info appears in History.
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Dental Labs: Managing labs within EDR has now become more streamlined. By setting up Lab Locations and Descriptions, you can easily store lab information and categorize case types like Crown, Night Guard, and Lower Partial. Additionally, Lab Cases can be seamlessly linked to appointments, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
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Recall Plans: A well-structured and meticulously maintained recall plan proves invaluable for patients, providers, and practices alike. This feature not only facilitates a proactive approach to monitoring patient health but also nurtures a robust patient-provider relationship, acting as a vital tool for the early detection of potential health issues. Providers and practices reap the benefits through a more consistent appointment schedule, a steady revenue stream, and adherence to various quality measures. Particularly in dental offices, where routine visits like cleanings and exams are essential, this feature holds exceptional value.
- Emergency Contacts in EDR: Having an emergency contact on file may seem simple enough but often it can be buried in a scanned document, difficult to find when the emergency occurs. Dental offices especially should be prepared, in the event of an adverse reaction to anesthesia or a sudden health complication during a procedure. Staff may end up spending crucial moments digging through paperwork rather than quickly reaching someone who can make informed decisions on behalf of the patient. This can be critical, especially if the patient is incapacitated or unable to communicate effectively. Emergency Contact now populates in EDR on the Patient Summary window > 'Emergency Contact' tab.
- EDR Dental Home Page: Regularly reviewing and updating a patient's health history is crucial for ensuring their safety and minimizing potential risks. Overlooking a new allergy could have serious implications for a patient's well-being and overall healthcare journey. Utilizing the EHR Dental Homepage can prevent such scenarios by accurately documenting any changes in the patient's history, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.
- The use of the EHR Dental Home Page makes it easy for staff to update information.
- This information then becomes part of the patient’s full health record, for continuity of care as well as UDS reporting.
- Treatment Plan Groups: Organizing upcoming treatments is paramount for a dental office to ensure efficient patient care and practice management. A well-organized treatment plan helps streamline the workflow, allowing the dental team to prioritize procedures, schedule appointments effectively, and optimize resources. Utilizing the Treatment Plans feature in NextGen EDR is a simple and effective way to coordinate all necessary resources for upcoming procedures and treatments for a patient. Moreover, organized treatment plans facilitate communication within the dental team, fostering collaboration and ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding patient needs and treatment goals.
- Setting Up Function Links in EDR: In EDR, function links enable the creation of hyperlinks to open external websites. Certain dental practices leverage this functionality to establish a direct link to the American Dental Association (ADA) homepage.
- EDR Preauthorizations: Understanding whether a dental service is covered by an insurance carrier is crucial in determining when, or if, that service can be provided. Utilizing the pre-authorization tools available, a dental practice can electronically generate and submit preauthorization claim requests for planned/scheduled treatments. This streamlines the process and ensures clarity regarding insurance coverage before proceeding with the treatment.
- Periodontal Charting Updates: EDR offers a comprehensive way to record and track a patient's periodontal health via the Perio Chart. The module supports full visualization of pocket depth, gum line, and other metrics in both numerical and graphic formats. Data on the teeth is sent to and from the Tooth Chart module. The Periodontal module will appropriately display any missing teeth—including those replaced with bridges or implants—that are recorded into the Tooth Chart. Additionally, the Tooth Chart contains summaries of periodontal exams. Allowing the provider to monitor any improvement or decline in the patient's oral health with ease.
- Furcation:
- The Furcation label text removed
- Now Represented by a triangle displayed at the root
- A measurement appears as a number in the triangle
- Labels:
- The Combined label text above the tooth has been removed.
- Mobility is represented by a Roman Numeral shown on the facial surface view.
- The Calculation of pocket depth plus gingival margin continues to show on graphs.
- New Buttons in Data Entry tools allow additional charting:
- Conditions:
- Existing Services:
- Crown, Implant, Bridge Abutment, and Bridge Pontic
- Line graphs on the periodontal chart:
- Pocket Depth
- Gingival Margin
- Mucogingival Junction
- Clinical Attachment Level
By incorporating these streamlined processes into your NextGen EDR system, your team will experience a newfound sense of efficiency and time-saving benefits. If you're seeking further validation on why these enhancements are essential for your workflows, here are some compelling reasons to consider:
- Maximize Productivity
- Increase efficiency and accuracy
- Reduce claim denials
- Better compliance for Uniform Data Systems (UDS) and other reporting agencies
- Improve patient tracking
- Raise Collections
- Minimize missed services
- Increase patient knowledge and involvement in their care
Ready to optimize your NextGen EDR experience? Become an OSIS Member today to access exclusive resources and support.