Anticlue

Data Integration

The heart of an organization is its data. The quality of the data will make or break a business. The interfacing of the data will either make the workload extremely easy or cripple the institution. Access to the data is also essential. Holding data hostage from the users is just wrong.

The picture should be enlarged for choosing a new system, and a part of the selection criteria considering the integration of the data as a key component. I would review all of the ADT transactions and make sure merging patient or account information works. Maintainence of the metadata is also key, it should be easily done, and consider integration. For example, wouldn't it be sweet if the credentialing system could generate a record that would update all systems with doctor information.

Sometimes looking at the larger integration picture, may even recommend going with the same vendor for the systems instead of the best of breed approach.