In partnership with Health System Information Services (HSIS), the UAB Health System Department of Physician Services and Patient Referral recently implemented the Ambassador Program, a Web-based tool for referring physicians that gives them easy access to the clinical data of their patients who have been admitted to UAB. “We have received positive feedback from physicians enrolled in the pilot program,” says Mary M. Gibson, BSN, director of physician services, referral development, and communications. “The system improves communication with referring physicians, provides timely clinical information, and enhances the continuum of care when the patient is discharged.”
Once a physician enrolls in the program, a physician services’ liaison visits the doctor’s office to offer instruction on the tool and answer any questions about the system or UAB. The system allows referring physicians to see their individual patient’s data on Horizon, the Health System secure Web site for clinical data.
During the enrollment process, physicians get a unique user password, a four-digit Lightweight Directory Access Protocol ID, and a security “token” that displays a frequently changing six-digit ID code that must be entered into the system to gain access to patients’ data, according to HSIS Web Development Director Geoff Gordon. “The token provides an extra layer of encryption needed to maintain system security in compliance with HIPAA,” he says. “The ID and token ensure referring physicians can view only their patients’data.”
“The system offers more timely and complete access to a patient’s clinical course, eliminates the burden of producing and distributing duplicate paper documents, and assures continuity of care once the patient returns home,” says Physicians Services Manager Kimberly D. Hummel, RN, BSN. “The new program makes things easier for both UAB and referring physicians,” she says.
“We are pleased to offer this service to referring physicians,” says TKC Chief of Staff and Medical Director for Physician Services Nancy E. Dunlap, MD, PhD. “This streamlines access to critical data and ensures referring physicians know about findings, recommendations, and follow-up plans before a patient returns to them for care.”