Deaconess Health and AMR First in Nation to Integrate EMR and Comprehensive Transport Solutions

EVANSVILLE, IN – Deaconess Health System and American Medical Response (AMR) are the first in the nation to integrate their EMR with AMR’s Transport OnLine Ordering System (OLOS) for both emergent and non-emergent patient transport.

The interface between Deaconess’ EMR (Epic) and AMR’s OLOS System allows hospital staff to request non-medical transportation (Lyft®), Deaconess-owned wheelchair van, or an AMR ambulance. Soon, the platform will also allow for requests for rotor wing helicopters and fixed wing air ambulances. The Deaconess staff will have real-time access to expected times of arrival for transport to help aid in throughput. The system also generates an electronic PCS (physician’s certification statement) and related documentation for automatic submission to insurance.

“All Deaconess personnel who are responsible for arranging transport for patients are able to use OLOS. This level of integration is a ‘game changer’ for patient throughput at Deaconess,” said Amy Susott, Chief Innovation Officer, Deaconess. “The system reduces handoffs, increases accuracy for hospital and EMS staff, and reduces hassle and wait times for patients. Additionally, using the right level of transportation will lower costs for both Deaconess and patients, and the standardized documentation reduces billing discrepancies.”

“AMR is proud to partner with Deaconess in this first of-its kind, Epic- integrated application for medical transportation. Having our application published to the Epic App Orchard and available to our health system partners will not only revolutionize how transportation is currently being ordered, but will be a tremendous aid to throughput management and system visibility. Our system not only eliminates time spent on the phone ordering transportation, but it ensures that the patient is receiving the right level of service to meet their medical needs,” said Sabrena Collins, AMR National Vice President of Innovative Practices.

“The partnership will also streamline communication between AMR and Deaconess. When Deaconess begins to surge in capacity, transport needs increase. AMR will now be aware of the need earlier in the process and will increase staffing accordingly,” added Collins.

The integration has been targeted to assist with post-discharge and regional transfer transportation. In the coming months, ambulatory appointments may also be available through OLOS. The partnership went live on January 28, with an 85% adoption rate in the first week.

About Deaconess Health System
Deaconess Health System is the premier provider of health care services to 26 counties in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. The system consists of nine hospitals, a fully-integrated multispecialty group featuring primary care and specialty physicians; a freestanding cancer center, urgent care facilities, a network of preferred hospitals and doctors, more than 30 care sites, and multiple partnerships with other regional health care providers. For more information, visit www.deaconess.com.