Kodak, MedCo Data Automate Health Chart ScanningKodak, MedCo Data Automate Health Chart Scanning

As healthcare delivery organizations make the transition from a paper-based system to electronic medical records (EMRs), a new product from Kodak and MedCo Data will help doctors automate conversion of paper-based patient charts to digital files for secure storage and transfer into EMRs.

Launched in late June at the TechData Technology Solutions Tour, the Patient Chart Scanning Solution uses Kodak Capture Pro Software and Kodak Scanners to capture data from patient charts and transfer it automatically into MedCo Data Vault -- a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant product -- where the information can be stored and accessed as needed.

According to Kodak executives, because scanned files are automatically formatted using industry-accepted health data standards, including HL7, NCPDP, and CCD, the Patient Chart Scanning Solution facilitates easy and accurate export from the MedCo Data Vault into the practice's existing or future EMR system.

"The amount of critical information contained within paper-based patient charts makes this conversion process an essential benchmark of success as more physicians move to adopt EMR and [electronic health record] systems," Jody Miller, business development director, worldwide healthcare solutions for Kodak solutions for business, said in a statement. "Our patient chart scanning solution with MedCo Data provides an easy-to-use, efficient platform that can deliver time and cost savings across an entire medical practice."

As many hospitals cope with cumbersome paper-based patient charts, their conversion to a digitized format represents a critical consideration for practices implementing EMR systems. Scanning charts prior to the installation of an electronic records system can significantly improve the chance of a successful adoption. Charts include a diverse range of documents that can contain information about immunizations, patient history, physician notes, lab reports, and insurance.

"We're working with Kodak to establish a standard for scanning paper-based patient charts," Rob Cash, COO, MedCo Data, said in a statement. "Unlike outsourced conversion services, this solution allows physician offices and other ambulatory practices to utilize their existing staff to manage the entire process, providing a high level of control over access to valuable patient records and to ensure that the newly converted digital files meet current and future needs."

Kodak Scanners and Capture Pro Software offer optimal image quality and scanning performance to reduce the time and costs associated with manually entering data from medical documents, the companies said. Advanced scanning capabilities, including barcode recognition, help increase accuracy and eliminate errors. MedCo Data Vault prepares data from Capture Pro Software in EMR-friendly formats to streamline the data migration.

The new Patient Chart Scanning Solution is backed by Kodak Service and Support, which is a multi-vendor integrated services provider delivering consulting, installation, maintenance, and support services for healthcare solutions, document imaging, commercial printing, graphic communications, data storage, and retail industries.