At most centers, physicians still dictate a note after performing a procedure such as a colonoscopy. That tape must then be transcribed and then sent back to the physician for signature. Corrections are sometime necessary and reports have to be revised before the physicians can sign them. When the reports are finally corrected and signed, they can be mailed to the referring physician. At best, this process can take several days, and when transcriptionists are behind, even longer. This unnecessarily delays communication of result to the patient and referring physician.

Gastroenterologist, Dr. Frank Kim says, "From the beginning we wished to streamline this process to improve efficiency while continuing to document all the necessary clinical information. With the use of our new upgraded ProVation MD software, we can create highly detailed notes in minutes instead of days. The system is highly integrated with our endoscopy equipment allowing the software to automatically imbed color images captured during the procedure into the documents."

At the end of the procedure, instead of using dictation physicians are now able to generate a detailed customized procedure report with just a few mouse clicks. The system also automatically produces a referral letter and patient instructions. A high speed color printer prepares enough hard copies for everyone concerned, as well as the appropriate documentation from cover letters and patient instructions. These reports are often printed before the patient returns to the recovery area. What sometimes took weeks can now be done in minutes.

Dr. Kim explained that the upgraded system has two major benefits. It improves patient education as the physician can review the results in detail with the patient and family immediately after the procedure and the patient is given a color copy and easy-to-understand printed instructions to take home for review.

Secondly, he can now mail the referring doctor a consistently thorough and highly readable color copy of the test results the same day. In urgent cases, the system can fax the report immediately.

Dr. Kim adds, "We've had great feedback from our referring doctors who've received the notes and accompanying letters. They think the images look fantastic, and they really appreciate having quick access to their patients' test results. As healthcare continues to embrace technology, our goal of Three Rivers Endoscopy Center is to be focused on providing intensive, personalized patient service. We feel this extra investment in technology makes us more efficient and improves communication of results to our patients and their doctors."